Billy Jones is a young, genius-level, totally charismatic veteran who shows all the signs of becoming as big or bigger than Buddy Guy. This young man has enormous talents. I recently witnessed a 2-song DVD by Billy and his band that just added to my excitement regarding this on-stage dynamo who boasts movie-star good looks, a Huge voice, great guitar-playing and a Hot repertoire of tunes.
All tracks were written by Billy ...and what a voice! With Billy Jones showing so many talents and covering every single genre close to Blues, the Man is a “can't miss” star-in-the-making…No wait, he's not in-the-making…He's made! If a major U.S. label doesn't scoop up this high-level Blues genius within the next 3-4 months then we're all in trouble! But, whatever happens, No One is going to keep a lid on Billy Jones. He's off on-a-rocket folks and we certainly need a Big Blues talent like his.
Billy Jones is one of the 'good guys'. He is a young man from Arkansas who is truly interested in advancing and extending 'Great Black Music' from the Ancient to the Future' and making sure that it is available for future generations. As such he is one of my personal musical heroes. We don't have enough artists like him and hopefully he is going to inspire others.
Updating the blues for the 21st century is not an easy matter... Billy Jones has managed it. Think Bobby Womack with Curtis Mayfield's social conscience and you are getting close. Perhaps the most important thing to note is that his sound is more acceptable to modern ears and maybe that will get more people to listen to his message. Jones has a voice that will enchant you. This is a fine, soulful album. It's a first person rumination about “growing up in the ghetto” that packs a poignant wallop. The message is deep and heartfelt... lyrically-inspired Contemporary R&B.
