Jubeus

Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Jubeus - Let's Pick Up Ourselves
Margarita Tuesday! Put on my dancing shoes and pick myself up to the extra delicious calypso beat, complete with rock guitars to turn this party into an all-night blast. Cuban piano leads us to “dance in circles – flowers everywhere.” And love is making this tasty treat even better with “the light of heaven on your pretty face.” The band is hot, the dancers beautiful, the bowls of fruit floating from hand to hand as we join in the excitement of the singer and the lead guitars pouring emotions around each other’s lines. Shoutouts for the 70s retro funk of Until I Get There and the reggae flavors of Love Is In The Air (“take your worries – throw them out the door”). Lots of fun!
- eartaster.com

CD Review:

Artist: Jubeus
Title: Natural Mood
Website: http://www.jubeus.com/
Style: Rock/Roots/Soul
By Staff Writer L. Anne Carrington

An intoxicating spirit of roots, rock and soul are the best descriptions of Jubeus, Richmond, VA-based quintet at the forefront of a new musical movement; a song-driven group that has soulful expression, heartfelt lyrics and head bobbing grooves.

Jubeus has become a prominent act in their region, gaining support across their native Virginia, in addition to Maryland, Washington, DC, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The band's latest album, Natural Mood, displays the band's own unique sound to its fullest, using three-part harmonies that creates a set of original music with a decided edge. It is an excellent balance between vocals and instrumental that can't be placed in one category of music.

This CD is both eclectic and odd, yet well developed; each of the 11 tracks is very different from the last. The very best songs on the album are the opening track, "Until I Get there," "Look Out," "Silence," and of course, the title track, "Natural Mood."

Natural Mood is right up the alley of Indie music fans that are also into the unplugged sound, minus the hollow tones and sparse arrangements.

In any event, the nature of Jubeus' music appeals to such a broad audience, and if this album is any indication, this a group that will be winning over crowds in years to come

L. Anne Carirngton-Indie Music Stop
- Indie Music Stop

Natural Mood
Artist: Jubeus
Label: Indy
Length: 12 tracks
This band combines the sound of folk/jazz/and a little bit of jamaican flair to give a rather funky sound. "Let's Pick Up Ourselves" is a very enjoyable song that exemplifies this mixture well. However, other songs like "Look Out" and "Up Your Sleeve" sound a lot more rootsy in nature. So needless to say, you will find a lot of different music here. If you are in the mood for a buffet of music, you won't go wrong with Jubeus. (James Morovich)

Phantom Tollbooth
- James Morovich

In their bio, Jubeus declares that their influences range far and wide and that their creative process dips into every part of life. They aren't kidding when they say that their influences are far-ranging. In the first four songs, they bounce from a funky psychedelic vibe ("Until I Get There") to a blend of jazz and roots ("Lotus") to Latin ("Let's Pick Up Ourselves") to classic rock ("Look Out"). They definitely got me wondering what was coming next.
I found that what comes next is an album full of goodness. The melodies are easy on the ears and the songs are well-written and generally mellow in mood. The songs have a familiarity about them, but it's not easy to compare Jubeus to another band.
Really, I don't know what else to say about this album. It's a very enjoyable collection of eleven songs. The band works a good groove and they sing songs that are easily relatable. If you're in the mood for a roots-based band that isn't afraid to explore musical ground, this is a good album to check out.
Gary Schwind
www.antimusic.com
- Gary Schwind

" They (Jubeus) always come to play, and they have a killer list of original songs to bring
to the table, as well as several most excellent covers… These guys are a perfect
example of a small-time group preparing itself for widespread coverage...."

Discover Bands.com - Discoverbands.com

By Sharon Tharp, HOT INDIE NEWS .com

Date Published: November 29, 2007

Jubeus is probably one of the most eclectic-sounding bands I've heard in a while. They have the ability to mix funk, soul, Latin, rock and numerous other types into one album-not an easily successful feat.

The tracks are easy listening and really exhibit a breath of fresh air with the use of more than the typical trio of guitar, bass, and drums. The high-quality vocals are strong and reminiscent of performers like Edwin McCain. The instrumentals however, are in a genre all their own and in this case, that's not a bad thing. Jubeus pulls off their attempt at something new and something they call their own. This album does not have a stale, boring sound in the least and you will be compelled to listen to the entire thing, wondering what they will come up with next. It's strange, it's daring, and it works
- Sharon Tharp Hot Indie News.com

"I recently saw Jubeus play here at Lynchburg College and I must say that I am now a fan. I love the live show and the CD is awesome. My roommate and I are looking forward to seeing you guys play again and hope that you come back to perform at LC here again."
- New Jubeus fan in Lynchburg

Light the candles, pour the wine or your other favorite libation for seduction - and then off with the lights and everything else. Favorite “Love Is In The Air,” is just one of the romantic offerings on this nice compilation of easy-to-listen-to, poignant, tug at your heart strings songs from this Richmond, VA band. Soft and jazzy, Natural Mood would be an excellent addition for your library for those “special” occasions or a rainy day. Jason Masi (vocals, guitar) has written some exceptional songs and delivers them with a tender forcefulness...Other members are Mike Jarvis (bass, vocals), Seth Thomas (guitar - not the clock), Eric Jack (drums), and Brian Reed (keyboards). Other standouts are, “Lotus,” “Silence” and “Up Your Sleeve.” Buy a ticket and get on board, Natural Mood is worth the fare.
(Skid Dickson)

www.harderbeat.com
- Skid Dickson

I saw Jubeus for the first time. I do have to say I was impressed. I have been to a lot of parties that had live bands, but by far you guys are the best. I enjoyed the performance so much I decided to buy the CD, which was also a first since I do not usually buy CD's at parties. I mainly stay there to enjoy the music and leave. You guys got another loyal fan here at Tech.
- New fan in Blacksburg

Jubeus
Acoustic rock never seems to get the props it deserves.
Louder bands pack stadiums, while most great unplugged sets are playing across the country to a max capacity of 30 people per coffeehouse. But you needn't have a guitarist wailing through walls of distortion to make a good song, as the guys in this Richmond- based band are eager to prove. Ironically enough, the richness of Jubeus' natural sound comes from their attempts to fill up the spaces in their songs, much like their electric counterparts. A close listen will let you peel back the layers: There's a percussion and bass pocket that mixes classic, jazz and tribal patterns; guitars that complement each other across chords; vocals that become deep and lush with accompanying backup and instrumental harmony; and a tasteful blend of various world music sounds.
If you're a fan of the unplugged sound, Jubeus' textures will take you somewhere new and unexpected. And if you've avoided acoustic sets out of a dislike for sparse arrangements or hollow tones, this show will be an eye-opener.
- Roanoke Times