Jason Ricci / Joe Krown — City Country City
Gulf Coast Records – 2021
12 tracks; 65 minutes
Blues aficionados, get ready for a musical feast as harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci and New Orleans piano and organ maestro Joe Krown unite to deliver a genre-defying gem, "City Country City." Released under the Gulf Coast Records label in 2021, this album is a testament to the harmonious synergy between two exceptional artists, capturing the essence of blues, jazz, and beyond.
Joe Krown, a seasoned Hammond B3 virtuoso and pianist, has left an indelible mark on the blues scene with a career spanning collaborations, bands, albums, and tours. Known as a "musicians' musician," Krown's versatility and deep roots in the New Orleans music scene make him a force to be reckoned with. His collaboration with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band has been a standout chapter in his illustrious career.
Jason Ricci, a legend in the blues harmonica world, brings his genre-defying skills to the table. With multiple "Harmonica Player of the Year" awards and a reputation for mind-bending innovation, Ricci's technical virtuosity and solid groove set him apart. His collaborations are numerous and varied, reflecting his openness to musical exploration. Together with Krown, Ricci has been performing in the Ricci Krown Trio and sharing their musical generosity with audiences worldwide.
The album opens with the title track, "City Country City," immediately immersing the listener in a sonic journey reminiscent of a church choir. Ricci's harmonica, emulating the original by War's Lee Oskar, creates a distinct country vibe, interchanging with bold and frantic city phrases. The instrumental gem showcases Ricci's energy and virtuosity, delivering a powerful narrative enhanced by a passing quote from "Eleanor Rigby."
"Down and Dirty," a swinging shuffle by Krown, follows with a solid groove maintained by drummer Doug Belote. Ricci's "Don't Badger the Witness" features his unique singing voice in a song based on his experiences with the legal system, blending acoustic and amplified harmonica.
The Joe Sample tune "My Mama Told Me So" sees tightly synchronized organ and harp, building to Ricci's mind-warping harp speed runs. Ricci's original "Feel Good Funk" offers an irresistible beat, with his distinctive singing complemented by a bubbling harp line.
"It Starts With Me" is a sweet instrumental that reflects the artists' desire to make the world a better place through example. Ricci's "Down At The Juke" and "Upshot" continue the bluesy journey with relaxed shuffle beats and tight grooves.
The slow Charles Brown classic "Driftin' Blues" is a standout, slowed down further to emphasize Ricci's pleading amplified harp and Krown's evocative B3 solo. "The Jimmy Smith Strut" by Taj Mahal brings a bouncy uplifting shuffle, and "Just A Playboy" switches to a rhumba beat, conjuring images of New Orleans street celebrations.
The final cut, Bobby Gentry's "Ode to Billy Joe," is an unexpected yet brilliant addition, with the harmonica standing in for the vocal in this instrumental interpretation.
Recorded "mostly live" in just two days at Jack Miele Productions Studios in New Orleans' lower garden district, "City Country City" stands as a testament to the duo's mastery and groove. Ricci and Krown have crafted a unique sonic experience, making this album a must-listen for blues enthusiasts. As the only known album by an amplified diatonic harmonica and organ duo, "City Country City" is a remarkable achievement that should not be missed.
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