Justin Conn & The Short Bus Mafya

"Memphis-funky...powerful voice (sounds some to me like Doyle Bramhall II)... - Nashville Music Guide

Justin wrapped himself around his guitar, assumed the position, and proceeded to blow us all away. Talk about attitude (in the dearest form of the word) Justin has it and brought it. Thanks, man, you rock. I’m getting excited all over again just writing about it. Excuse any typos, my hands are shaking. We received everything we needed and yearned for and then some…… - Songhenge

Bar None - Springfield, IL
The Basement - Nashville, TN
B.B. King's - Nashville, TN
Bearno's - Louisville, KY
Belcourt Taps & Tapas - Nashville, TN
Blue Monkey - Memphis, TN
Bluesboro - Murfreesboro, TN
Blues Hideaway - Nashville, TN
The Boardwalk - Nashville, TN
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar - Nashville, TN
Brentwood Pub - Brentwood, TN
Bunganut Pig - Franklin, TN
Bunganut Pig - Murfreesboro, TN
Cadillac Ranch - Nashville, TN
Cafe Coco - Nashville, TN
Code Blue - Nashville, TN
Copper Kettle (Downtown) - Nashville, TN
Country Club Bar & Grill - Camden, TN
The Crescent - Nashville, TN
Derby City - Louisville, KY
Dougie Ray's - Goodlettsville, TN
The 5 Spot - Nashville, TN
Flapper's Bar & Grill - Mt. Vernon, OH
Flying Saucer - Memphis, TN
Flying Saucer - Nashville, TN
The Foobar - Nashville, TN
French Quarter Cafe - Nashville, TN
Fuel - Nashville, TN
Gibson Showcase - Nashville, TN
Goose Island Brewery - Chicago, IL
Hall of Fame Lounge - Nashville, TN
Hideaway Saloon - Louisville, KY
Highland Brewing Company - Asheville, NC
Hi-Tone Cafe - Memphis, TN
Hollywood Disco - Nashville, TN
Hooters - Hermitage, TN
Humphrey's - Huntsville, AL
It's All Good Cafe - Nashville, TN
Jaspers - Cincinnati, OH
Jenicca's Cafe & Wine Bar - Louisville, KY
Kenyon College Summer Send-Off Festival - Gambier, OH
Kingfish - Louisville, KY
Manhattan's - Knoxville, TN
Mansion Hill Tavern - Newport, KY
Mercy Lounge - Nashville, TN
Midtown Billiards - Little Rock, AR
Music City Bar & Grill - Nashville, TN
Music Row Bar & Grill - Nashville, TN
Music City Blues Society's 10th Anniversary Fest - Nashville, TN
Napa Cafe - Memphis, TN
Norm's River Roadhouse - Nashville, TN
Old Time Pickin' Parlor - Nashville, TN
Park Street Tavern - Columbus, OH
Phoenix Hill Tavern - Louisville, KY
The Pond - Franklin, TN
Preservation Pub - Knoxville, TN
The Radio Cafe - Nashville, TN
The Rutledge - Nashville, TN
Springwater Supper Club - Nashville, TN
Stevie Ray's - Louisville, KY
The Sutler - Nashville, TN
Tennessee State HOG Rally/Harley Davidson of Cool Springs - Franklin, TN
Terrapin Beer Company - Athens, GA
3rd & Lindsley Bar & Grill - Nashville, TN
Town Pump Tavern - Black Mountain, NC
12th & Porter - Nashville, TN
Uncle Dan's Tavern - Mt. Vernon, OH
The Underground - Coshocton, OH
The Verve - Terre Haute, IN
The Voodoo Lounge - Huntsville, AL
Windows Off the Cumberland - Nashville, TN
Wolfy's Bar & Grill - Nashville, TN
Zuffy's Place - Atlanta, GA - justinconn.com

This is a record that I'm enjoying, for the Memphis-funky, spare arrangements, the powerful voice (sounds some to me like Doyle Bramhall II), the take-his-time length of tunes (six over 5 minutes), and the earthy lyrics. The legendary former Allman Brother Johnny Neel appears on NEW BLOOD, and his studio dished up this kickin' new disc. I'm touched by the story in "Late Again," a blues ballad, where Justin's guitar perfectly answers the hard-luck-woman-hangin'-on storyline. "Alabama Dream" is a cut that reaches me, too, having once had a similar experience, but I don't wanna talk about it! However, I'd love to talk about Conn's funk-rockin' tune, "Dirty," which states "ain't nothin' like a good girl talkin' dirty." Justin can be heard at The Rutledge (downtown on 4th Avenue) on [December 12th]...
- Nashville Music Guide

This is blues music! Justin Conn brings roots and soul alongside high quality
production with his newest release New Blood. Mr. Conn has put out an
album that is accessible to the casual blues listeners but still has enough gristle
for the purist.

New Blood is simultaneously traditional and modern. This is guitar and
organ driven blues with modern arrangements and modern production elements.
This is showcased most clearly in the song Jenine, where Justin's rootsy guitar
licks a provide a counterpoint to the reverb drenched vocals of the refrain.

There is outstanding musicianship on this album with overdriven guitar hooks,
screaming organs, and a rhythm section that knows how to stay in the pocket.
The variety of blues forms, tempos, and arrangements will make musicians happy.
And yet, the music is always there to serve the song. For my taste the upbeat blues
are more inviting than the ballad on the album, but by no means is the slower music
an inferior product.

Justin Conn is a name that will be known amongst the blues world. Catch him
while he's on the rise.
- Indie Music Stop

Memphis-born Justin Conn is going to need shades for the bright future that is his. This four-song EP, all written by Justin, is twenty-two minutes of some of the scorchingest guitar we've heard in quite some time!!

Justin handles all the lead guitar and vocals, and is joined by some great session players. Randy Coleman and Calvin Johnson are on bass, Roger Femali is on drums and Larry van Loon is absolutely stunning on Hammond B-3.

First up is "Trouble," about a girl who is just that, but it doesn't matter to Justin. This cut has a jazzy feel to it, and the backing B-3 is a perfect complement. "Open Book" is a tale of love with a lady who knows him well, and, even when she leaves, he'll still be around when she changes her mind. The guitar work here reminded us of some of Carlos Santana's early stuff, too. "Claire" is a slow, bluesy story of a lover who's leaving, and trying to figure out just why it's happening.

Hands down, though, for us the big winner is the slow, smokin' "No Big Thing," which is how Justin feels when his lady cheated on him, because he was cheating on her as well, with her best friend!!! His guitar is center-stage here, with a fantastic solo at the bridge. It reminded us of the first time we heard "The Sky Is Cryin'" from Stevie Ray--it's THAT good!!

A fantastic debut from a young man destined to go far in the blues world!! We only wish this set had been longer!! So--watch out for Justin Conn, and, as always--ENJOY!!
- Music City Blues Society - May 2003 Bluesletter

Justin Conn is one of the best young players in [Nashville], has more taste than usually seen in younger players. Not only does he know the licks, but when and where to put them. Great natural feel! - Music City Blues Society - February 2003 Bluesletter

Memphis native Justin Conn has just released his latest CD, entitled "New Blood." We think it's going to be his "coming of age" CD, because Justin Conn is really the "new blood" of the blues' younger generation!

With a playing, singing, and songwriting maturity that belies his youth, Justin struts his stuff through fourteen cuts mixed with the soul, blues, and funk of his homeland. He's backed by some of Music City's best musicians, as well as legendary Memphis Horns sideman Wayne Jackson for a sweet trip down the backroads to the delta and back uptown again!

Leading off, we find out something most of us already know, that "Southern Girls" make love like a hurricane, and, later on, we learn that there's nothin' quite like a "good girl (you know the kind - sweet on the outside, but naughty on the inside!) talkin' Dirty." And, sometimes a girl who's nothin' but "Trouble" might be just what you need! Justin shows off his slide prowess on "Lay Down, Baby" and "Jenine," and the keyboards are in good hands with Johnny Neel and MCBS' own (and one of our favorites) Larry van Loon.

We had two favorites, too. Everyone recalls their "first time," and Justin's is recalled in the funky, rollicking "Alabama Dream." Taking a more serious tone is the poignant tale of a girl who always seems to make the wrong choices, someone who's always "Late Again."

Justin has the swagger and confidence of a young man ready to take on the world in this set. Check out his website, justinconn.com, for the latest news, and getcha a copy of "New Blood" to see just how bright Justin's future can be! - Music City Blues Society

Memphis’ Justin Conn has a sound that will remind you of your favorite Southern rock jam bands, especially the Allman Brothers. Plus, he has a really good voice. So many bands get everything but that most important feature. Of course, you’ve either got it or you don’t. Justin does.

“Jenine” has a classic Southern jam band sound. “6 & ½” has a little bit more of an indie sound, but mixed with Delta instrumentation. “Memphis Thing” sure earns its title.

Justin has been able to attract big-time talent to work with him on his CD: Johnny Neel of the Allman Brothers and Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns.

For more information, check out www.justinconn.com. - Southern Fried Magazine, February 2007