JOHN JANUARY BAND: True

It is always a joyful surprise when listening to a new album by an artist you’ve followed for a long time and recognize a new phase in their creativity. Well, this was just the case when listening to True, the latest offering from John January, along with his solid new band consisting of Jim Beck (bass), Pam Rowen (keyboards), and Steve Ussery (drums).

With this new album, January has brought a new dimension to his already well-oiled craft. True presents itself as a fresh blues experience, exploring form and structure, while flirting with assorted styles that seem to mesh very well. Using elements of hard rock, rhumba, Gospel, and anchored by a strong, blues-based foundation, for which John has been recognized for numerous times over the years. True delights in the simpatico nature of these styles presented.

The album, consisting of seven originals and one cover, was a “true” collaboration by the John January Band. Heavier on slide guitar than on previous albums, each bandmate has brought their best in complementing the freshness of John’s impeccable guitar work throughout the entire album. True also includes several guest performers, including John Chambers of the the Bayou Brothers (accordion), Alicia Previn (violin), Bill Hoaglin (harmonica), and Bill Fish (violin).

Perfectly named, True is a deep study in individuality versus collaboration, whether it be in working or personal relationships. Where we’ve been, self-discovery, vulnerability, and how we heal.

Jumpstarting with the invigorating “So Much Going On,” we revel in the joy of newness, while songs like “What Do You Want From Me” and “When Two Hearts Play the Blues” tackles the self-scrutiny arrived at in living in our truth. There is also a really cool rock instrumental called “Otay Mud” that shows off how in sync this band is. You can tell how much they each contribute to the project, connected with one another; they definitely had fun creating it. Also of note is the team effort on “For No Good Reason” and a cover of the Savoy Brown hit “Tell Mama.” Recorded as a duet with keyboardist Pam Rowen, the vocals are full, rich, and truly complement each other.

My favorite song on the album, however, is the jazzy flamenco, free phrasing style of “One for the Gypsies!” Kind of like a gypsy tarantella of love and loss, you just can’t help but dance!

Wrapping up True is the perfectly conveyed “Goodbye Year.” It really got me, for it speaks from the perspective of being honest with oneself, an accounting and acceptance of where we’ve been and allowing ourselves to be able to heal and move forward. In other words, living in one’s truth. It speaks to me of the singularity of our being and how our experiences shape our relationships with ourselves as well as everyone we embrace on our path.

Make sure to check out this album. The John January Band has put their heart and soul into every aspect of this album, and it shows in the perfect blending of music styles, the immense talent of all the players, and the unity and camaraderie of the band… All True.