Music
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Press
Glue magazine
July 23, 2004
Reviewed by Chaz Mattox
Jon Justice
FORGET ABOUT TIME
A new generation of Blues artists seems to be vying for the heart of blue-collar America and Jon Justice, 22, may be leading the way soon. I got the opportunity to see young Justice recently. I’d heard about him before and had high expectations. Jon didn’t let me down. Jon Justice and Co. knocked the socks off of everyone in the club that night.
Jon’s soft and soulful vocals highlight each song on this ten track collection. From the title track, with its harmonica injections and smoky vocals, this album never misses a beat. The fourth track, NEXT TO ME, features brilliant acoustic guitar and mandolin from Justice while reaching for the heart of each listener with lines like; “I’d rob and steal, lie and cheat, just to keep you next to me.” Justice showcases his “more is less” approach on the guitar throughout the album and his talent can’t be denied. On track three, SUN SHINES SOMETIMES, his notes have a voice of their own. CHAINS OF LOVE, the sixth track on the album also highlights the talent of this young musician. With the phrase, “At least I’m alive, and I’m free”, Jon tell us what is really important to him. An “old soul” you might say. It’s almost hard to believe he’s only 22 years old.
With the help of harmonica player, Jason Ricci, and legendary horn blower, Wayne Jackson, of the Memphis Horns, this album is full of little treats I never expected. A definite milestone for what’s to come from this young man, destined to become a classic for anyone who gets a listen.
After I’d seen Justice and Co. live, I came back home and listened to the album again. I realized this kid might be an artist who could change the way people think of blues influenced music. The same way S.R.V. and Bonnie Raitt have. This is an artist you just can’t go wrong with.
- Glue Magazine
Discography
"Forget About Time" - released June 2004, produced by Phillip Wolfe (Alabama, Trick Pony, Dickey Betts) 14 track EP
Streaming play at www.jonjustice.com
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Jon Justice was born in the Chicago, Illinois, area in 1982. His first formal music performance experience came as a teenager, when he toured nationally with bluegrass and Gospel groups. In 1999, he acted upon the visceral effect such music has had on him since his youth: acknowledging its inhabiting of his soul and seeking to be among people who shared deeply felt musical sensibilities, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
Using that musically rich city as both his inspiration and his base of operations, Justice joined with veteran pianist of Percy Sledge and Exile fame, Steven Bowen, to form The Recipe. They then toured together between 2000 and 2003, doing literally hundreds of shows and turning thousands of people onto the emerging sound of Jon Justice.
His debut CD, Forget About Time:
His extensive touring, combined with five years of life experience, enabled Justice to forge a truly distinctive sound. Philip Wolfe, producer of bands such as Alabama, Trick Pony, and Dickey Betts, came on board at that time to work with Justice, and joining them was Memphis Horn Wayne Jackson, contributor to the outstanding music of such industry forces as Otis Redding, Elvis, Aerosmith, and Aretha Franklin, and harmonica wiz Jason Ricci. Working in concert, they crafted the well-received debut Justice album, Forget About Time, which released in June 2004.
Forget About Time is surprisingly diverse and deeply delightful, combining two hallmarks that define the Jon Justice sound: The first is the depth and breadth of musicality that can evoke many influences at the same time it is deeply originalunusual in one so young. The second is his ability to engender musical experiences that range from rousing anthem-like compositions that are rhythmically and lyrically irresistible, to honest, intimate songs that recall the private meditations and intimate moments shared between individuals.
In support of the release of Forget About Time, Justice toured from state to state, doing what he loves to do bestperform for live audiences.
A truly consummate performer, Justice walks from the sidewalk to the stage without breaking stride, bringing with him an authentic joy in his music that never fails to energize his showsand his audience. With each show, Justices easy presence and resonant musical style creates a bond with his listeners; the result is a live show experience that surpasses human-scale expectations and that is amazing and unforgettableparticularly when it emanates from one so young.
In the course of his performing career thus far, Justice has opened for Derek Trucks, Tinsley Ellis, Watermelon Slim, Silvertide and Indigenous and he has played with such music luminaries including Buddy Guy, the Memphis Horns, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The evolution of the Jon Justice sound:
As Justice approaches the quarter-century mark in his life, his music continues to evolve as his life experiences expand. Already possessed of soulfulness that belies his youth, Justice is constantly exploring musical influences and expanding his repertoire of skills.
Thus the Jon Justice Sound?is always pushing outward to fresh expression, reverberating as it does with Justices singular take on the events of the day and building innovatively on the bedrock of influencers to the Justice musical juggernaut: hard rock, sensual soul, and heartfelt blues.
One thing, however, always stays the same: the undeniable talent of Jon Justice and the incomparable thrill of his music. Rousing, touching, irreverent, and always exciting, the Jon Justice sound is not something you simply listen to; its something you experiencejust as Justice himself did when he wrote it and does every time he performs it.
What others are saying about Jon Justice:
The kid can flat-out play! -Buddy Guy, legendary blues and rock guitarist
I am so proud of this record. Jon is a singer, songwriter, and performerall in one package. Phillip Wolfe, producer
Jon is such a talented kid with such a bright future. The live shows are just great! - Wayne Jackson, The Memphis Horns
Terrific live performer. One of the most talented performers Ive ever seen. Pat McManigal, critic, The Memphis Star
Contact Info: Derek Wheeler
wheeledjdvd@yahoo.com
513-543-0830
Website
http://www.jonjustice.com
www.myspace.com/jonjusticeband
Discography
2004 Forget About Time
Links
