‘James RiVAh’ Reviews [Updated]

 

     With many and big Thank Yous to Blind Raccoon and the many reviewers that took their time to listen and critique our latest studio album; here is the list of reviews for ‘James RiVAh‘!!!

 

 

PROFESSOR JOHNNY P’s JUKE JOINT (RVA) – John Porter

Around here, the title of The Bush League’s latest albumJamesRiVAh, makes perfect sense. The city of Richmond is built along the James River, we refer to our fair city as RVA as in “Richmond, VA,” and most people pronounce the word “river” as “riv-AH” like some sort of non-adenoidal Thurston Howell the Third.

If you are not familiar with The Bush League, they are one of the hardest working bands in the Central Virginia area, a semi-finalist at the 2012 and 2017 IBC, and one of those groups that have all the talent and drive to make a deep mark on the world of the blues.

The Bush League is a tight four-man group and consists of vocalist JohnJason “JohnJay” Cecil, bassist Royce Folks, guitarist Brad Moss and drummer Wynton Davis. For this album, their third, they have brought in some great guest players including Trenton Ayers of the Cedric Burnside Project, Jeremy Powell from Southern Avenue on trumpet and keyboards, Suavo Jones from the Ghost Town Blues Band on trombone, Paul Biasca on sax, and Vince Johnson on harp.

Of the twelve songs on the album, ten were group written by TBL and they’ve chosen one from Fred McDowell and Muddy Waters to cover. They blend together well and help to create a sweet overall mood.

The album starts off with River’s Edge, an appropriate title and a funky blues groove that showcases Cecil’s powerful vocals. This one would be right at home with those that like their blues with an edge so sharp it can cut through just about anything in its way…

The Mississippi Fred McDowell classic, Kokomo Me Baby, follows. Trenton Ayers from the Cedric Burnside Project provides the smoking lead guitar and this updated cover may take a few liberties with a song made famous by the man who said, “I do not play no rock and roll,” but the spirit of the song remains.

The next song, Say Yes, slows thins down beautifully and Cecil’s delivery of this sweet ballad features some great horn work from Powell, Jones, and Biasca. Sometimes when watching Cecil work a room, it’s easy to pigeonhole him as a blue-collar performer and one might forget that he possesses a powerful soulful voice that can wring so much emotion from a line. This is a lovely number and adds a deeper dimension to The Bush League.

TBL follows up with Show You Off, with Powell adding his keyboards to the mix. This is more of the soulful funky blues that started off the album and it has a groove that’s deep and tempting for even the most reluctant audience member to get up and boogie on that dance floor. If you ever get the chance to catch these guys live, you won’t be disappointed. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with them on a few occasions and they work a crowd like nobody’s business and you can’t help but have a great time when The Bush League is playing.

Muddy Waters’ Catfish Blues follows with its darker, almost ominous opening. Moss’ guitar cuts through the opening and Cecil’s voice punches its way through. It’s a very cool interpretation that allows the band to show some of its depth as no guests are present on this one. A great showcase.

After that is Kick Up Yo Heels, which features Jones on trombone as well as Ari Morris on synthesizer. The song is an up-tempo dance number that features a great turn from Davis on drums.

Long Gone follows that with some old school pleading blues. It’s pure emotion from a man who knows he’s saying goodbye. Cecil’s vocals are processed some and it adds a different feel to the track. The next song,Hearse, has Ayers returning to play lead guitar and as you can imagine from the title, it’s a very dark song and pairs beautifully with the previous track. I’ll be curious to see if they marry the two songs the next time I see them play live.

Tuxedo Blues follows with Vince Johnson playing harp, and Jones, Powell, and Biasca adding their tight horns to the mix. It’s a sweet throwback song and Johnson’s harp takes the group into a slightly different direction. There’s a plaintive sadness in his playing that emphasizes the pain in the lyrics. Really like this song a lot.

TBL gets funky on Moonshine which adds Jeremy Powell’s delicious honkytonk keyboards and the result is a tight dance number that also has some cool lyrics. I like this song a lot and can’t wait to see what the guys do with it live.

Not many things are more sobering than a Cold Shower, and here the guys use this one as a dark reminder of reality. Folks and Davis create a deep pocket and Cecil punches his vocals like he’s fighting for his life. Moss’ guitar attacks and when he drops out, the silence is almost deafening.

The album closes with the raucous What’s Wrong With You, which not only features Powell’s keyboards, but the entire band and most of the people who were recording the album adding stomps, handclaps, and hollers to the number. It’s a great way to bring this fine album to an end, and still leave you wanting more.

The Bush League is one of those groups that always seems to have its head down and working. They aren’t flashy, but they are steady, dependable, and make some of the best music I’ve heard on a continuous basis. In Central Virginia, they are almost always in demand as an opening act when a well-known group comes to town, and trust me, in front of an audience there are precious few that do it any better.

James RiVAh is their fifth release, although only the second they’ve recorded in the studio, and I think it’s some of the best work they’ve ever done. While they continue to set the bar higher and higher for performance, they’ve just raised it for an album as well. There are several good groups that I am fortunate to see on a regular basis, and there are a smaller group that I fully believe are only an eyelash away from making it to the next level and going national, and believe me when I tell you that The Bush League is in that elite company.

Take a couple of minutes and check them out at their website: http://thebushleague.com/, where you can find out more information about getting this great release and learning more about their appearances throughout the south, and hopefully soon, the rest of the country.

     professorjohnnyp.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-bush-league-james-rivah.html

 

 

INDIE VOICE BLOG (USA) – Bob Leggett

While the Robbert Fossen Band was the epitome of the perfect traditional blues band, The Bush League takes it in a more progressive manner, in the style of Stevie Ray Vaughan and other modern blues bands.  Recorded in Memphis, these college friends from Virginia are out to make a name for themselves in the music business, and this album will definitely get them started in the right direction.  Their sound combines elements of funk, soul, gospel and rock to form their own variety of progressive blues.  They just know how to make it sound so good, especially that blues guitar, and the keys, especially on “Show You Off.”  Their loving treatment of Fred McDowell’s standard “Kokomo me Baby” and Muddy Waters’ classic “Catfish Blues,” as well as their 10 originals created quite a special blues album for all ages to enjoy.

Recommendation:  This one is a definite keeper.  Get it ASAP.

     www.lamusiccritic.com/indie_voice_blog/get-it-or-forget-it-robbert-fossen-band-caught-with-candy-the-bush-league-peter-kaukonen-sara-morgan/

 

 

REFLECTIONS IN BLUE (USA) – Bill “Chicken” Wilson

“Founded on a front porch near Richmond in 2007, “JohnJay” Cecil and Royce Folks laid down the foundation for what would become one of the hardest working bands in Central Virginia area.  The group combines JohnJay’s soulful vocals and Royce’s rock-solid bass work, Brad Moss on guitar and Wynton  Davis on drums.  They enlisted the talents of Trenton Ayers (the Cedric Burnside Project), Jeremy Powell (Southern Avenue) on trumpet & keyboards, Sauvo Jones (The Ghost Town Blues Band) on trombone, Paul Biasca on sax & Vince Johnson on harp for this project.  The band loves blues of every variety, particularly North Mississippi Hill Country Blues.  With Fred McDowell’s “Kokomo Me Baby” and Muddy Waters’ “Catfish Blues” the only covers, the songwriting talents of the band are showcased beautifully.  This album has some incredibly soulful moments, to be sure.  The opening tune is reminiscent of “Smokestack Lightning”, followed by a great rendition of McDowell’s “Kokomo”.  These cats can ride a groove for all it’s worth, but, I still find myself being partial to those soulful originals.  Bottom line, these guys are following their hearts, it’s working for them.  I’d give The Bush League two thumbs up…and wish I had more thumbs.  James Rivah is their fifth album, but I doubt it will be their last.  Such passion and deep soul are not heard every day…and these guys deliver the goods as well as anyone I’ve heard.  Most everything they do drips with emotional power and soul.  Once more, trying to put them into any predetermined slot is not going to work, but they are well worth searching for.  Contemporary in many respects, old-school in so many others…The Bush League finds a perfect balance.  Keep up the good work guys”

     chickenwilson2.blogspot.com/p/february-reviews.html

 

 

ROOTSTIME (Belgium) – Eric Schuurmans

“ “RVA Blues” creates a visual soundscape that evokes images of times gone by but still relatable to today audience… “

– [Google Translate]

In 2007 in de omgeving van de James River (Richmond, VA), besloten JohnJason “JohnJay” Cecil en Royce Folks, twee vrienden en muziekliefhebbers, hun kwaliteiten als zanger en bassist te verenigen onder de veelzeggende naam The Bush League (TBL). Drummer Wynton Davis vervoegde het duo. Hun gezamelijke liefde voor North Mississippi Hill Country blues gemengd met wat funk, soul, gospel en rock was de basis van hun eigen “RVA Blues” (waarbij RVA voor de “locals” de afkorting is van Richmond, Virginia).

– In 2007 in the area of ​​the James River (Richmond, VA), JohnJason “JohnJay” Cecil and Royce Folks, two friends and music lovers, decided to unite their qualities as a singer and bassist under the eponymous name The Bush League (TBL). Drummer Wynton Davis joined the duo. Their shared love for North Mississippi Hill Country blues mixed with some funk, soul, gospel and rock was the basis of their own “RVA Blues” (with RVA being the abbreviation of Richmond, Virginia for the “locals”).

“ “Rough”, “agressive” and ”Workingman’s Blues” are all descriptions by others of their music, but the band prefers to call it simply “SHINY NEW DIRTY OL’ BLUES”… “

TBL trad de eerste jaren zowat overal op en maakte zo deel uit van het “Chitlin’ Circuit” van de 21ste eeuw. Hun debuut album ‘Can of Gas & a Match’ [2012] werd goed onthaald en in 2015 volgde er een opvolger ‘Didn’t See This Coming’. Het was een live album met een “nieuwe” line-up. De TBL-oprichters JohnJason Cecil (zang), Royce Folks (bas) en drummer Wynton Davis doen het nu met gitaristen Brad Moss en Michael Burgess. Omdat de opnames in Virginia gebeurden konden ze ook rekenen op zangeres Shelly Thiss (Mike Lucci Band) en harmonicaspeler Pete “the Kidd” Turpin.

– TBL performed almost everywhere in the first years and thus became part of the “Chitlin ‘Circuit” of the 21st century. Their debut album ‘Can of Gas & a Match’ [2012] was well received and in 2015 a successor ‘Did not See This Coming’ followed. It was a live album with a “new” line-up. The TBL founders JohnJason Cecil (vocals), Royce Folks (bass) and drummer Wynton Davis now do it with guitarists Brad Moss and Michael Burgess. Because the recordings in Virginia happened they could also count on singer Shelly Thiss (Mike Lucci Band) and harmonica player Pete “the Kidd” Turpin.

Het vierde studio album van TBL kreeg de toepasselijke naam ‘James RiVAh’. De opnames van de twaalf nummers (waarvan tien originals) met vrienden en gasten gebeurden in de Ardent Studio’s in Memphis, TN.

– The fourth studio album from TBL received the appropriate name ‘James RiVAh’. The recordings of the twelve songs (including ten originals) with friends and guests took place at the Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN.

De album line-up bestond uit “JohnJay” Cecil (zang), Royce Folks (bas), Wynton Davis (drums) en Brad Moss (gitaar). De gasten: gitarist Trenton Ayers (Cedric Burnside Project), keyboardspeler / trompettist Jeremy Powell (Southern Avenue), trombonist Suavo Jones (Ghost Town Blues Band), saxophonist Paul Biasca en harpist Vince Johnson.

– The album line-up consisted of “JohnJay” Cecil (vocals), Royce Folks (bass), Wynton Davis (drums) and Brad Moss (guitar). The guests: guitarist Trenton Ayers (Cedric Burnside Project), keyboard player / trumpet player Jeremy Powell (Southern Avenue), trombonist Suavo Jones (Ghost Town Blues Band), saxophonist Paul Biasca and harpist Vince Johnson.

“ Most of all, I hear GROOVE and feel the SOUL, that’s good!… “

Een beetje naïviteit, zo moet TBL gedacht hebben, mag ook in de studio en helpt je bij het kiezen van de nummers. ”River’s Edge”, de opener, is een ode aan de James River, die Richmond letterlijk verdeeld. De rivier is vernoemd naar de Engelse koning James I, heeft samen met de Jackson River een lengte van 660 km én, stroomt in zijn geheel door slechts één enkele staat. Met deze Deep Blues stomp schiet TBL al direct in de roos. Mississippi Fred McDowell’s ”Kokomo Me Baby” (Kokomo Arnold schreef het nummer in 1934) is de trip naar Kokomo meer dan waard (“Well, it’s Kokomo me, babe – Kokomo me twice – Kokomo, yo daddy – Like you did the other night…”). In de soul ballade ”Say Yes” demonstreert Cecil zijn zangkwaliteiten voluit en Jeremy Powell doet dit op zijn beurt in het funky ”Show You Off” vanachter zijn keyboards. De tweede standard is ”Catfish Blues”. De Afro-Amerikaanse blues zanger en gitarist Robert Petway (1907-1978), die het nummer waarschijnlijk schreef, nam het nummer op in 1941. Muddy Waters gebruikte het arrangement en de tekst voor zijn nummer “Rollin’ Stone”. Het is Wynton Davis die door het opgelegde ritme hier de aandacht naar zich toe trekt. Let in ”Kick Up You Heels” op de blazers (Suavo Jones: trombone & Paul Biasca: sax) en, in de dramatische, stekelige rocker ”Hearse” op Cecil’s zang en songwriting. De slow ”Tuxedo Blues” is daarna cynisch en geestig en ”Moonshine”, een ode aan alle thuis brouwers, de meest radio vriendelijke track op het nieuwe TBL album. Na ”Cold Shower” gaan we met ”What’s Wrong With You” naar de kerk om na het nodige gepeins, gelaten te eindigen met de eenvoudige RVA uitleg: ”There It Go!”

– A little naivety, TBL must have thought, is allowed in the studio and helps you choose the songs. “River’s Edge,” the opener, is an ode to the James River, which Richmond literally divides. The river is named after the English king James I, along with the Jackson River has a length of 660 km and, in its entirety, flows through only a single state. With this Deep Blues stump, TBL is already in the bull’s-eye. Mississippi Fred McDowell’s “Kokomo Me Baby” (Kokomo Arnold wrote the song in 1934) is more than worth the trip to Kokomo (“Well, it’s Kokomo me, babe – Kokomo me twice – Kokomo, yo daddy – Like you did the other night … “). In the soul ballad “Say Yes”, Cecil demonstrates his vocal qualities in full and Jeremy Powell does this in turn in the funky “Show You Off” from behind his keyboards. The second standard is “Catfish Blues”. The Afro-American blues singer and guitarist Robert Petway (1907-1978), who probably wrote the song, recorded the song in 1941. Muddy Waters used the arrangement and the text for his song “Rollin ‘Stone”. It is Wynton Davis who draws attention to this through the imposed rhythm. Watch “Kick Up You Heels” on the wind instruments (Suavo Jones: trombone & Paul Biasca: sax) and, in the dramatic, spiky rocker “Hearse” on Cecil’s song and songwriting. The slow “Tuxedo Blues” is then cynical and witty and “Moonshine”, an ode to all home brewers, the most radio friendly track on the new TBL album. After “Cold Shower” we go to church with “What’s Wrong With You” to end up with the simple RVA explanation: “There It Go!”

In de annalen van de Blues is de zin “Mississippi meets Memphis” zeker al duizend keer opgenomen. Dank zij The Bush League, zal dit de duizendeerste keer zijn. Waarom? Omdat ‘James RiVAh’ niet anders, niet beter kan omschreven worden. The Bush League combineert hun liefde voor Hill Country blues met de warmte en de Soul van Memphis, zonder hun eigen gevoel van plaats en aanwezigheid te verliezen. TBL verenigt mensen door hun muziek. TBL verdient deze maand absoluut de plaats in uw CD verzameling!

– In the annals of the Blues, the phrase “Mississippi meets Memphis” has certainly been recorded a thousand times. Thanks to The Bush League, this will be the thousandth time. Why? Because ‘James RiVAh’ is no different, can not be better described. The Bush League combines their love of Hill Country blues with the warmth and Soul of Memphis, without losing their own sense of place and presence. TBL unites people through their music. TBL definitely deserves the place in your CD collection this month!

     rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2018/FEB1/CD36.html

 

 

BLUES IN THE SOUTH (UK) – Brian Harman

This is the fourth album release for TBL, whose, creation was originally conceived by college friends John Jason (‘Johnjay’) Cecil and Royce Folks, while sitting on a front porch not too far from Richmond, Virginia, in two thousand and seven. Now, the band consist of ‘Johnjay’ Cecil; lead vocals, Royce Folks; lead, rhythm and bass guitar, Brad Moss; bass and rhythm guitar and Wynton Davis on drums.  Together they create a solid sound that incorporates a love of Blues and North Mississippi Hill Country music, while not forgetting serious elements of Soul, Funk and Gospel. The twelve numbers here, were recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis Tennessee.  The sound they create has a particular intensity due to the closeness of their playing. Adding spice to the proceedings sees the talents of Trenton Ayers; rhythm guitar from the Cedric Burnside Project, Jeremy Powell, of Southern Avenue on trumpet and keyboards, providing excellent horn support is Sauvo Jones who is part of The Ghost Town Blues Band, on trombone with Paul Biasca on saxophone and Vince Johnson blows some tasty harmonica. “Rivers Edge,”  pays due respect to the James River which runs through Richmond, starts off the proceedings with a raw, sawing and pulsating guitar that echoes classic ‘Howlin’ Wolf’s’   Smokestack Lightning ‘Johnjay’s’ stripping and fluid vocals carries the number with great ease. On Fred McDowell’s “Kokomo Me Baby,” the pace is set with a bouncing, fluid Jazz rich guitar, underpinned by wonderfully thwacking and footapping drumwork. The very enticing soul infused slowburner “Say Yes,” is driven by a wonderfully rising and falling drippy Jazz guitar and sublimely alluring percussion, while the vocals sensuously float effortlessly above it all on a cushion of sympathetic horns.  There is deep respect and some fine playing on Muddy Waters’ “Catfish Blues,” the solemn almost plodding drumwork marches on while over the top a raw, sliding and ringing guitar resonates with evocative emotion. “Hearse,” is a rolling and rocking reflective tale of a cheating woman whose spouse temporarily leaves jail to hopefully reconcile with her, with predictably deadly, woeful results. A throbbing, insistent bassline introduces “What’s Wrong With You,” then powerhouse drumwork comes in with a fiery and roaring organ alongside, added in are glorious gospel voices in full flight and then we have take-off, splendid!

Greatly endorsed!

     bluesinthesouth.com/graphics/BiTS_03_MARCH_2018.pdf

 

 

FLYINGSHOES REVIEW (Scotland) – Norman Darwen

Out of Richmond, Virginia, (hence the specific text of the album title), four piece band The Bush League here offers some wonderfully stomping blues such as the opening, Howling Wolf inflected ‘River’s Edge’ and the cover of Mississippi Fred McDowell’s ‘Kokomo Me Baby’. Then there is the assured funky blues sound of ‘Show You Off’, the deep, deep blues of ‘Catfish Blues’ which contrasts nicely with the smooth soul of ‘Say Yes’, the menacing ‘Hearse’, and ‘Long Gone’ which melds a strong blues feel with something of an early 70s rock feel. The jaunty ‘Kick Up Yo Heels’, the slow ‘Tuxedo Blues’ (with Vince Johnson’s blues harp playing), the juke-joint styled ‘Moonshine’ and the Mississippi hill country flavoured ‘Cold Shower’ help to finish the set with a strong, traditionally slanted but undeniably contemporary blues approach. ‘What’s Wrong With You’ hits a relentless groove and makes for a breathless closing track.

It is all sung wonderfully by frontman JohnJason “JohnJay”Cecil, who, appropriately enough, moves seamlessly from a Howling Wolf growl to a Luther Vandross-ish love man’s aching plea. Guitarist Brad Moss is equally versatile, and so too is the rhythm section of Royce Folks on bass and Wynton Davis on drums. There are guests too: Jeremy Powell adds fine keyboards (try ‘Moonshine’, which is exactly what JohnJay is advocating!) and trumpet, and Ghost Town Blues Band’s trombonist Suavo Jones also makes a significant contribution, whilst Trenton Ayers of the Cedric Burnside Project adds some fine rowdy licks to a couple of numbers. If you like your blues gutsy, soulful and real, you’ll go for this.

     flyinshoes.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-bush-league-james-rivah-independent-release-a-href-http-www

 

 

BLUES AGAIN! THE BLUES IN ALL ITS STATES (France) – Caesar

– [Google Translate]

L’histoire débute il y a une bonne dizaine d’années avec quelques amis de collège et se poursuit avec la sortie de ce quatrième album qui rend hommage à la rivière qui coule chez eux à Richmond, Virginie, la James river (Rivah phonétiquement). Le premier titre ‘River’s Edge‘ évoque d’ailleurs ce cours d’eau avec ce stomp blues hypnotique et brut de décoffrage aussitôt suivi par le ‘Kokomo Me Baby’ de Mississippi Fred McDowell, autant dire une entrée en matière bien rythmée et entraînante. Oh surprise ! On change de style pour aborder un ‘Say Yes’ carrément soul qui se déroule comme un long fleuve tranquille sur plus de six minutes relaxantes et on constate que la voix claire de Johnjay Cecil est vraiment à l’aise sur tous les registres tout comme ses collègues, le bassiste Royce Folks, le batteur Wynton Davis et le guitariste Brad Moss. Une pléiade d’artistes est invitée à participer sur quelques titres. ‘Show You Off‘ accueille Jeremy Powell pour placer ses claviers et accompagner ce funk irrésistible. On le retrouve au piano pour une belle démonstration dans ‘Moonshine’ bien soutenu par les riffs de guitare de Brad Moss qui se fait d’ailleurs remarquer dans pas mal de morceaux. Muddy Waters est à l’honneur avec son ‘Catfish Blues’ vraiment prenant où la voix et la guitare se partagent le gros du boulot. Le blues proposé par ce groupe plonge ses racines vraiment profondément loin dans les origines de cette musique pour en tirer une saveur complètement moderne et actuelle. On s’en convainc avec l’envoûtant ‘Hearse‘. Deux fois semi-finalistes à l’IBC, ces types sont devenus des incontournables de la scène blues. A découvrir absolument, si ce n’est déjà fait !

– The story begins a good decade ago with some college friends and continues with the release of this fourth album that pays tribute to the river flowing at home in Richmond, Virginia, the James River (Rivah phonetically) . The first title ‘River’s Edge ‘ evokes this watercourse with this hypnotic stomp blues and rough release immediately followed by the ‘Kokomo Me Baby’ of Mississippi Fred McDowell, so to speak a good rhythmic and catchy introduction. Oh surprise! We change our style to approach a ‘Say Yes’ downright soulful that unfolds like a long quiet river on more than six relaxing minutes and we find that the clear voice of Johnjay Cecil is really at ease on all registers just like his colleagues, the bassist Royce Folks, the drummer Wynton Davis and guitarist Brad Moss. A host of artists are invited to participate in some titles. ‘Show You Off ‘ welcomes Jeremy Powell to place his keyboards and accompany this irresistible funk. It is found on the piano for a nice demonstration in ‘Moonshine’ well supported by Brad Moss guitar riffs which is also noted in a lot of songs. Muddy Waters is in the limelight with his ‘Catfish Blues’ really taking where the voice and the guitar share the bulk of the job. The blues offered by this group has its roots deep in the origins of this music and draws a completely modern and contemporary flavor. We convince ourselves of this with the bewitching ‘Hearse ‘. Twice semi-finalists at the IBC, these guys have become a fixture on the blues scene. To discover absolutely, if it is not already done!

     www.bluesagain.com/p_selection/selection%200318.html

 

 

BMAN’S BLUES REPORT (USA) – Bman

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, James Rivah, from The Bush League and it’s a powerhouse. Opening with River’s Edge, JohnJayson Cecil really digs deep for a rawthentic blues experience driven by Royce Folks on bass, Wynton Davis on drums and Brad Moss on guitar. Excellent! Mississippi Fred McDowell’s Kokomo Me Baby is a romping boogie with rocking vocals, drums and guitar with a solid bass line. Neo soul track,  Say Yes has a soulful pace and vocals with solid bass and Jeremy Powell on keys. Very nice. Muddy Water’s Catfish Blues gets a real nice work over maintaining the original blues feel but with modern vocals and a rockier rhythm line. Stinging guitar work by Moss gives it a crisp edge. Hearse has a powerful blues/neo soul feel with sounds reminiscent of Living Color, D’Angelo and more primitive blues which is really becoming a trademark for The Bush League. Very nice. Stretched boogie, Moonshine, has an unusual gait with cool piano work and a lumbering bass line. Wrapping the release is high energy, What’s Wrong With You, with power organ, snappy drums and wide open guitars. JohnJay pushes the band to get the power and Folks pushes the bottom for a powerful closer.

     www.bmansbluesreport.com/2018/03/the-bush-league-james-rivah-new-release.html

 

 

MARY4MUSIC.COM(USA) – Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro, Blues Editor

So, with The Bush League having been together for well over ten years now, longevity is obviously well established; and with this being the band’s fourth release, it’s apparent that consistency is in order as well. Hopefully, breaking out onto the national scene is next in the band’s grand scheme of things, and from what I just heard – “James RiVAh,” their strongest effort yet – may very well be the vehicle to take them there.

The Bush League are: John Jason “JohnJay” Cecil on vocals; Royce Folks on bass; Wynton Davis on drums; and Brad Moss on lead and rhythm guitar. For this project some very special guests include: Trenton Ayers (The Cedric Burnside Project) on lead guitar; Jeremy Powell (Southern Avenue) on trumpet and keyboards; Suavo Jones (Ghost Town Blues Band) on trombone; Paul Biasca on sax; Vince Johnson on harp; Ari Morris on synthesizer; and mostly everyone, including Calvin Lauber, Andrew McNeil and Kenya Watkins on stomps, hand claps and hollers.

James RiVAh” contains twelve tracks with ten of them being band originals. With the band’s energetic style of play, The Bush League pride themselves on the fact that they “push the boundaries of what the blues can be.” Simply put, what they say they actually play is “shiny new dirty ol’ blues.”

The disc opens with “River’s Edge,” a song that not only pays tribute to the James River – which flows through the band’s home town of Richmond, VA – but it pays tribute to the band’s mission statement, as well. This smoker does indeed push the boundaries of the blues…and yet this traditionalist just loves it. With “rough” and “aggressive” being just a few of the words some have used to describe the Bush League’s music, this could very well be one of the tracks that inspired those descriptions. It features Royce, Wynton and Brad, living up to the consummate definition of a “power trio” with rough and aggressive musicianship and JohnJay aggressively belting out some very rough and powerful vocals.

Going from the above track to this song speaks volumes for the band’s versatility. Calling it a complete opposite style of play is a gross understatement. It is a beautifully written, tenderly performed ballad that should be the anthem for anyone wanting to make a wedding proposal. Just follow these simple directions: record this song; get on your knees; take out the ring; then play her the song. I promise that without you having said a word, she will “Say Yes.” Replay this six-and-a-half minute long song of the year candidate a few times over and I’ll also promise you that this just might be the best 20 – 30 minutes you’ll have all week. It was for me.

“Is anybody going to the mall?
’cause I gotta take this tuxedo back”
My baby she left me at the altar,
and she ain’t never coming back.”
Oh, it gets worse….you see,
“There’s going to be some extra cost,
because the cuff links they was lost.”

C’mon JohnJay say it ain’t so. Could this really happen after she said yes? This song is titled “Tuxedo Blues” and if the sullen story that John’s soulfully telling is true, it’s quite sad but if it’s not, it’s an absolute riot. Although it’s a slow, traditional blues style song, Royce and Wynton do take the rhythm on an interesting roller coaster ride. Additionally, being the only track he appears on, Vince nearly steals the show with some monster harmonica playing. I know I’ll be Googling him later.

As JohnJay tells it, “You can keep your champagne and your chardonnay. Hold off on that Wild Irish Rose and that Beaujolais.” When he wants to have a good time just give him his “Moonshine“. With its constant strong rhythm present, this one features some excellent guitar and piano work from Brad and Jeremy.

Once you hear these lyrics you’ll understand that the song was perfectly titled. It’s about the frustrations of man dealing with his expectations of what should happen by the second, third, fourth and in this particular man’s case, most likely the fifth, sixth, seventh and more dates. As he tells it…”You keep promising me, that I’m gonna see it”…..but that just ain’t happening”. Sounds like it’s time for that “Cold Shower.” As with the title track, this one features the nucleus of the band doing what they do best – pushing boundaries.

The disc closes in signature Bush League style. It’s unquestionably the disc’s most ambitious effort. It features just about everyone listed in the credits doing just about anything they want to do and as fast and hard as they want to do it. It ends with JohnJay exclaiming “There it Go!” (apparently a local Richmond, VA slang term) and indeed, there it went!

Other tracks on “James RiVAh” include: “Kokomo Me Baby,” (Fred McDowell) “Show You Off,” “Catfish Blues,” (McKinley Morganfield), “Kick Up Your Heels,” “Long Gone,” “Hearse.”

If you haven’t yet received a copy of “James RiVAh” for airplay, please contact Betsie Brown at www.blindraccoon.com and to find out more about The Bush League, just go to www.thebushleague.com. Whomever you contact, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.

     www.mary4music.com/CD76.html#CDBushLeague1

 

 

DON AND SHERYL’S BLUES BLOG (USA) – Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society

THE BUSH LEAGUE

JAMES RIVAH

RIVER’S EDGE–KOKOMO ME BABY–SAY YES–SHOW YOU OFF–CATFISH BLUES–KICK UP YO HEELS–LONG GONE–HEARSE–TUXEDO BLUES–MOONSHINE–COLD SHOWER–WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU

The Bush League hail from the Central Virginia area, and were an IBC semi-finalist in 2012 and 2017.  Vocalist John Jason “John Jay” Cecil and bassist Royce Folks are the college friends that founded the band, thru their mutual passion for the Hill Country blues of North Mississippi and the uptown soul of Memphis, sprinkled with a sweet shot of gospel fervor.  On their latest album, “James Rivah,” they bring on board guitarist Brad Moss and drummer Wynton Davis.

That pulsing beat leads off, as the listener is baptized in the murky waters that flow down at the “River’s Edge,” a nod to the James River that flows thru their homeland.  Next up, clever guitar lines help John Jay to turn “Kokomo Me Baby” into both a noun and a verb on this cool tribute to Mississippi Fred McDowell.  “Show You Off” and “Kick Up Yo Heels” are destined to become juke joint dance floor burners, while John Jay gets his Cooke groove on with the suavely-smooth lovin’ groove of “Say Yes.”

We had two favorites, too.  One of the coolest odes to illicit potent potables is the piano-heavy romp that is “not Chardonnay or Beaujolais,” but good ole home-grown “Moonshine!”  And, if you didn’t get enough religion in the Alpha cut that began this set, then check out the Omega set-closer, a rompin’ stompin’, Sunday-morning-shout-out to an uncaring lover, “baby, What’s Wrong With You?”

The Bush League create a sound that is at once rough, raw, passionate, and always refreshing.  With “James Rivah,” they hit the nail on the head when they refer to their sound as “shiny new dirty ol’ blues!”  Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.

donandsherylsbluesblog.wordpress.com/2018/03/30/the-bush-league-review-march-30-2018/

 

 

PBS 106.7 FM (Australia) – Peter Merrett

“*** THE BUSH LEAGUE
> > “James Rivah”.
> > Label: Self.

*** Track 1. – “River’s Edge” Written by J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Lead and Rhythm Guitars.
* Royce Folks: Bass
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
Down to earth Hill Country Blues doesn’t get any better than this. The richness of the tone certainly is tangible and extremely authentic from this Richmond Virginia outfit. Davis absolutely has control over the sound with his exquisite drumming and Moss’s guitar is suitably menacing throughout delivering a profound statement of repetitious grinding tonality on the song. Cecil’s vocals are powerfully delivered with a guttural roar that would make the devil at the crossroad sit up and take notice. Wonderful homage to home town river the James River and a splendid introduction to their incredible sound.

*** Track 2. – “Kokomo Me Baby” Written by “Mississippi” Fred McDowell.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Trenton Ayers: Lead Guitar.
* Brad Moss: Rhythm Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
Staying with that wonderful southern drawl the band tackle a classic from Mr. Mississippi Fred McDowell all the while having a playful romp with it. Guest guitarist Ayers steps up and riffs throughout with a real abandon as does the rhythm section of Davis and Folks with Moss taking rhythm guitar duties. Cecil certainly has the voice for the Blues and again displays his credentials to sing the music at the highest order perfectly. Joyful and a rambunctious time for all concerned making for a wonderful time for the listener. Proving that no matter how old the song that when the right band has it in their hands it can sound fresh and alive just like this.

*** Track 3. – “Say Yes” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Jeremy Powell: Keyboard and Trumpet.
* Suavo Jones: Trombone.
* Paul Biasca: Saxophone.
My what a change of direction this is and what a stunning change it is. Having left the Hill Country of the south we have moved north to a Detroit sound that is Soul infused Blues that is just ever so good. Cecil certainly displays a whole new side of himself and a whole different side of his singing as he delivers these pathos laden lyrics perfectly. The production on this one is simply stunning and the charts are sublime as the band has transformed into a slick neo-soul Blues outfit perfectly removing the raucous drone of the Hill Country and replaced it with the sophisticated sound of Detroit or Muscle Shoals. Moss’s guitar is absolutely sublime and the rhythm section of Folks and Davis is subtle but essential in this beautifully constructed song. To complete the sound a brass section is required and man what a brass section is here as it is robust and expressive so l say bravo to Powell, Jones and Biasco. Wow their contribution is immeasurable to say the least but there is something else needed to complete the sound. The addition of Powell’s keyboard has added the missing element that completes the neo-soul sound elevating this one into the stratosphere. This is a masterpiece and one that will stay with the listener for a long time to come.

*** Track 4. – “Show You Off” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Jeremy Powell: Keyboard.
Turning up the Funk metre some what The Bush League enlist keyboard maestro Jeremy Powell to lay down a fat beat throughout as Moss’s guitar follows suit and certainly is Funky as. Not to be left out the rhythm section of Folks and Davis lay down one in your face solid foundation for this one that moves along like molasses down a hot griddle. Cecil sings it like there is no tomorrow and his voice is as smooth as that hot molasses. Hey and l can dig that cow bell action also. All round a very solid offering that displays the scope of this groups immense talents to cover many aspects of Blues music and when the do they’re going to teach you how to get down!

*** Track 5. – “Catfish Blues” Written by McKinley “Muddy Waters” Morganfield.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Lead and Rhythm Guitars.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
Slow, slow, slow burning Chicago Blues that has Cecil at his masterful singing best. Sounding just like a past master singing the song of a past master he has delivered a performance of the highest calibre here. He is absolutely sublime. The band also have that required intensity perfectly modulated and delivered it in spades. The guitar work of Moss is simply mesmerising as it is breathtaking. Throughout the rhythm section of Folks and Davis obviously understand exactly what the Chicago sound and beat is, a groove honed by past genius’s such as Willie Dixon, and they have nailed it here. Note perfect and the timing is exact. If you were to say you had the perfect representation of the Chicago sound from a contemporary band this would easily be that representation without a doubt. It is moody, smoky, sultry, dark, powerful and a million over superlatives that l can’t think of.

*** Track 6. – “Kick Up Yo Heels” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Suavo Jones: Trombone.
* Paul Biasca: Saxophone.
* Ari Morris: Synthesizer.
Moving on down to the Hill Country again we take on this party track but add a bit of a northern twist to it. Just when you think it is a traditional sound there is the inclusion of brass from Jones and Biasca, then to really add a twist Morris plays a synthesizer. The traditional drumming and bass playing of Davis and Folks keep the rhythm percolating along perfectly as does the great guitar work of Moss. Cecil has that pleading almost shouting voice that is so right for the style as he once again stamps his authority all over this one. Certainly one with a little sting in the tail.

*** Track 7. – “Long Gone” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
A long call from the heart has Cecil lamenting about his lady leaving him. The long moaning shout permeates throughout the song and is certainly pained as it mirrors the pained lyrics of the song that Cecil interprets perfectly. On this one the rhythm section of Folks and Davis are front and centre to pound home the pain and angst as Moss’s guitar cry’s uncontrollably throughout. At times this reminded me of a Indian chant and l suppose there is a synchronicity about both as they are about not wanting to lose something that is close to you. Cecil’s voice is majestic and powerful but also commanding throughout as he displays so many emotions in what is really an emotion charged song. Brilliant performance, brilliant song and brilliant production.

*** Track 8. – “Hearse” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Trenton Ayers: Lead Guitar.
* Brad Moss: Rhythm Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
Smouldering Blues/Rocker that is dark and menacing with lyrics to match. Cecil certainly sings about a rather dark agenda that is rife with unsavoury statements. Grinding tempo that has Cecil’s lyrics somewhat in a pleading style as he states his case against his lady and what he wants to do to her or is it what he is going to do to her. Ayers provides the riffing lead guitar work as he rides all over the top and the bottom unfettered playing with somewhat abandon. He displays a wonderful feel and is wonderfully assisted on rhythm guitar by Moss. Folks and Davis provide the menacing heart pounding rhythm section . There is nothing subtle about this song what so ever, it’s in your face and quite frankly pulls no punches at all.

*** Track 9. – “Tuxedo Blues” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W, Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Vince Johnson: Harmonica.
* Suavo Jones: Trombone.
* Jeremy Powell: Trumpet.
* Paul Biasca: Saxophone.
Oh yeah some steamy sexy harp from Vince Johnson and subtle guitar from Moss introduces this heartbreaker. Here we have a lovelorn story of love gone wrong and being left at the alter. Cecil tells his tale of woe and all it entails after his lady stood him up and now he is left with nothing but the Blues and a tuxedo that he looked mighty pretty in. Power packed Blues resplendent with a hard hitting brass section of Jones, Powell and Biasca who certainly lay it down. This one has a wonderful arrangement that rises and falls with dramatic effect that adds to the pathos of the story. The rhythm section of Folks and Davis are somewhat subdued in this one but nonetheless keep the tune in perfect time. Absolutely wonderful Blues and if you’re going anywhere near the mall can you drop the tuxedo off please!

*** Track 10. – “Moonshine” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Jeremy Powell: Keyboard.
If we are going to sing an ode to something that is quintessentially Southern then it has to be Moonshine and like good Southern boys The Bush League don’t let the South down. Resplendent with Powell’s boogie woogie 88’s Cecil extols all that is good about a jar of shine over your uptown drink. Rambling and rollicking along with a joyful playfulness this one has just so much to like as the band roll along beautifully with the endearing cadence of the song. Davis and Folks keep the rhythm as tight as it needs be but don’t stifle it as it is about enjoying a taste. Moss lays down a sublime groove on guitar that just tumbles along never once over stepping the groove. No histrionics or over the top flourishes but rather some good ole boys taking you on a ride in a 32 Ford with a trunk full of shine over the state line, can you dig it? This catchy little number will really take off and be a firm favourite for sure. Now can l have a taste?

*** Track 11. – “Cold Shower” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W. Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
*Wynton Davis: Drums
Hard driving Rocking Blues with great guitar from Moss but it is the prominent bass of Folks that grabbed my attention as he is just so hard hitting in the mix. Cecil’s vocals have his trade mark excited rush about them as he extols his love of moonshine. It must be said that when Moss unleashes on his guitar the solo would burst a moonshine jug. Right through drummer and other half of the rhythm section Davis keeps up a solid beat and rock solid time. Very potent forceful song that has quite a bit of venom about it and certainly makes a statement. Well crafted song. Very strong performance indeed.

*** Track 12. – “What’s Wrong With You” Written by M. Burgess, J. Cecil, W, Davis, R. Folks and B. Moss.
* JohnJason Cecil: Vocals.
* Brad Moss: Guitar.
* Royce Folks: Bass.
* Wynton Davis: Drums.
* Jeremy Powell: Keyboard.
* JohnJason Cecil, Wynton Davis, Royce Folks, Brad Moss, Paul Biasca, Suavo Jones, Calvin Lauber, Andrew McNeil, Ari Morris and Kenya Watkins: Stomps, Handclaps and Hollers.
Rollicking, rockin, fun track with a stripped back Bush League that unleashes into an avalanche of mighty fine jumpin’ and jivin’ Blues goodness. A good ole get down and get on up floor filler Blues suitable for dancin’ y’all. Solid drumming from Davis certainly lays down the tempo as Powell absolutely goes to town on keyboards riffing like there was no tomorrow! Add to this the cast of thousands hand clappers, hollerers and stompers and you have a good ole hoe down. Moss unleashes his guitar with a unfettered abandon with Folks ripping it up on bass that just has to be on such an infectious l want to have fun song as this. There is no way you can sit still with this one and l think it should be taught in school the catch cry at the end of the song so that we can all call out “There It Go”!!!!!!!!!! Hey did we raise enough money for the rent at this good ole rent party?

> >
>Man oh man there is no denying that this is one helluva Blues band and one helluva band full stop. Not only do they get it all right they do it right. No doing it by the numbers with washy imitations but rather with unfettered unadulterated talent to not only perform brilliantly but to also compose instant classics. You just don’t do this unless you have paid your dues and done the hard yards but apart from that you have to have the talent and The Bush League have an abundance of that talent. JohnJason Cecil is a singers singer who can sing any type of Blues perfectly and with that he displays his versatility on this album. He will have you dancing one moment, wrestling the devil the next, then laughing and finally crying your heart out. Such is his abilities. Now any group has to have a rock solid rhythm section or forget it but here we have just such a rhythm section with Royce Folks and Wynton Davis. First class guys. Guitarists Brad Moss and Trenton Ayers certainly know just how to elevate a song into a higher level and play to that level that few can aspire too, mesmerising guys. Then for good measure keyboardist Jeremy Powell was added to the aggregation and wow what an impact he made, simply genius indeed. Where would Blues be without the harmonica? The answer would be lost and not to be left behind The Bush League added harmonica maestro Vince Johnson for a stunning outcome, bravo! Also certainly out of left field to great effect was the Synthesizer of Ari Morris. To complete this sound > we need to acknowledge the incredible incomparable contribution of the brass section of Suavo Jones, Paul Biasca and Jeremy Powell. Put all of this together and you have the makings of this outstanding stunning album, one that will soar on high scaling the charts and featuring of favourites lists of 2018. The group is new to us here in Australia but after hearing this album it feels like we are long lost old friends. I rate this album extremely high and seriously can’t wait to hear more from them……….”