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"Bryce Janey "Down Home Blues" CD Review"

Bryce Janey – “Down Home Blues”






Bryce Janey

Down Home Blues

20113rd Avenue Music

The newest release from Bryce Janey is called Down Home Blues. It is all acoustic, rootsy, and it’s terrific. Playing a Gibson LG-1 acoustic guitar and a Kay stand-up bass, Janey is the sole performer on this album, and he shines. The album is exactly what the title implies, down home blues. The first song that really knocked my socks off is “Dust Off the Bottle”. What a great song. It’s very well written, very relatable, and catchy. When certain events happen in our lives, the ones that bring us down and make us sad, there is something or someone we turn to in order to start the healing process. In the case of this song, the healing begins with the bottle. “Down Home Blues”, the title track, is another impressive favorite. Immensely raw and gritty, this one was written in the style of the early blue masters Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Janey plays the slide like nobody’s business. A couple of previously recorded Janey songs pop up on this collection, albeit this time recorded acoustically. They are “Gamblin’ Mans Blues”, from Practice What You Preach and the ballad, ”Heal the Night”, from Heal the Night. Down Home Blues is comprised of mostly original compositions, but there are some “cover” treats for us as well. I always enjoy slide guitar when it’s well done, and the slide playing on Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster” is fabulous. If you been looking for a new acoustic blues album to listen to, Down Home Blues is strongly recommended.

Phil Smith - Linn County Blues Society


"Bryce Janey "Blues In My Soul" CD Reviews"


Hard driving blues-rock in the mood of Johnny Winter, Mountain, Cream, and Hendrix, Bryce Janey's new power trio CD will stop guitar aficionados in their tracks. A mixture of original tunes and well-chosen covers, Janey shows taste and restraint -- as well as let-it-all-hang-out, over-the-top flair, ability, and expertise. For the most part, the CD is a high energy party, with Janey showing off what he's got: And what he's got is guitar chops that are not easily matched.

He is equally proficient in slide guitar and straight playing, showing influences that include the Allman Brothers and Derek Trucks, but also Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore. His singing shows maturity and experience, often bringing to mind Howlin' Wolf. But his playing is anything but old time blues -- it is progressive blues for a new era. It is the direction that old school virtuosos would go in if they were around today. Thankfully, Janey is here to stay, and his playing just gets better and better.

Steve Rosen, author (February - 2010)





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Anyone who's familiar with vintage tube amplifiers has heard of "NOS" (New Old Stock) parts - meaning either (1) old, but never used before, or (2) new, but manufactured using "vintage" specs.

This metaphor can be applied perfectly to the absolutely fabulous "old school" approach embodied in Bryce Janey's latest release, Blues In My Soul. With his road worn Strat, using only his fingers, he proceeds to lay his soul bare within the most expressive display of touch sensitivity, tone control, wicked chops and arc-welded grooves this side of the Mississippi delta. Even a cursory listen reveals how deep this cat digs.. every track drips with a smooth, well-worn rawness and authenticity, each delving deeper, like every song is a page from a living document.

Coaxing sweltering sounds through his fingers, Bryce slow cooks his mojo to strip off any unwanted impurity, leaving only the essential essence of his vintage vibe unfiltered - like a long, slow boil that makes the meat fall off the bone. I'm not kidding. To top off this complete package, layered over this intense riffage are "Gentleman Jack" smooth and strong vocals spinning tales of hard-won emotional battles fought; sometimes won, sometimes lost. Bryce truly carves a deep and wide heartland homestead in the electric blues guitar landscape with this powerful release.

Dan "DJ" Johnson (bass) and Eric Douglas (drums) lay the foundation of this blues groove temple.. in all its varied permutations.. but instead of building walls, Bryce proceeds to tear them down with an incendiary display of white hot riffage that is raw and anxious, yet smooth and calm. If that seems contradictory, just listen to the stories that Bryce tells, both with his words and his music - it will all become clear.

The blues ARE in his soul.. it's as if you can actually hear the spirits of those late, great souls of the electric blues speaking through Bryce, passing their spiritual torch to this young man for safekeeping. A vintage vibe is everywhere, with deep reverence, respect, belief and conviction, infused with an old soul purity.. yes.. you CAN hear them speak through Janey's unique voice. Whether it's his original tunes, or his inventive reinterpretation of others (just check out Trower's "In This Place"), everything fits like an old pair of boots. How refreshing.. no pretension, just pure, deep, soulfully smoking guitar awesomeness, delivered with passion and power.

Bryce Janey is the "New Old Stock" of today, a standard bearer with a direct spiritual connection to a musical place that's, for the most part, largely ignored or forgotten.. and if remembered, often marginalized by the forces of novelty.

I know that these are just words. Now you must listen to the sounds that inspired these words. Get this record, and let Bryce take you back to that "old school" place where you always feel welcome. Then you'll know - it will all become clear.

Jimmy Ryan (Truth Squad) (February 2010)





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Blues In My Soul is the superb sixth record by Iowa native Bryce Janey, son of legendary Billy Lee Janey (of Truth and Janey). Bryce has a ballsy swagger to his music that puts it somewhere between ZZ Top, Canned Heat and Head East. Hard Rock Southern Country Blues may be the more lengthy description. A student of old school blues, SRV and his own father has fine-tuned the guitarist into an exceptional musician. The sting of his guitar can be felt in the autobiographical "Funky Guitar Blues" where he builds a hip-shaking groove while shooting electric solo spurts into the belly of the song. His vocal growl is reminiscent of Doyle Bramhall II with shades of Molly Hatchet's Danny Joe Brown and sells the lyrics with emotional impact whether he's singing the soulful "Me - Grooveyard Records


"Bryce Janey "Game of Life" CD Reviews"

Seasoning is a good thing, and I'm not talking about a gourmet dish. Well, maybe I am. Bryce Janey is about as seasoned as it gets -- and his gourmet blues-rock is one classy dish! This is a guitarist's guitarist, with chops from hell. His new CD, "Game of Life," is a clear homage to people like Johnny Winter and Billy Gibbons (with a direct nod to Billy on the cover track, "Waitin' for the Bus"). "Come and Go Blues," the other cover on this CD, outdoes the original -- no offense to the Allman Brothers. But Bryce does something unique with the material -- he adds a special spice that comes from years of practice and a natural inclination for the music, which obviously flows through his veins. Peppered with guitar licks that show taste and maturity, he leads his band through numerous rocking tunes with a deftness and expertise that's really one in a million. As far as guitar discs go, this is the piece de resistance!

Steve Rosen (Author) (November 2011)





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The Game of Gratification

Stretched out on a poolside lounge chair, gazing at the beautiful Lake Chapala and the surrounding mountain ranges under a clear blue sky, soaking up some eighty-five degree sun rays, is only one part of how I started each day of vacation in this quaint little town of Ajijic, down in Jalisco, Mexico. The other involved initiating a soundtrack for the day on my beloved iPod. My very first listen of Bryce Janey's Game of Life CD happened to be the first music I listened to early in the morning on my first day of vacation. I enjoyed this album so much that listening to it first thing each morning became a part of my daily routine. No doubt Janey has definitely one-upped himself again, making Game of Life his best album to date.

"Down Home Blues," the first selection, whisks the listener into the album like a steam engine rolling full speed down the tracks. A blues history lesson all wrapped up in one song, this one is powerful and authentic. What a great way to set the tone of the rest of the album. Janey gets funky on the title track, "Game of Life," dishing out some psychedelic blues Hendrix-style as he sings about the sometimes abrupt harshness of reality and the comfort of tapping into one's dreams. Wrapping up the album, "Faithfully," a soulful and emotional song about commitment, heartbreak, and hope. I found this one to be one of the most interesting songs due to the layered guitar sounds which built up to a climax at the end.

Author - Philip Smith (Blues Revue Mag) (February 2012)





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There's something about that old blanket you've had forever that you pull out when it gets cold.. the feel of the material, that smell, the way it lays just right on you and leaves you safe and warm in its embrace, leading you to sigh, smile and say something like "they just don't make them like this anymore." Well, like a musical version of that blanket, there's something very familiar, well worn and comforting that comes through when you listen to brother Bryce Janey on his latest release, Game Of Life, featuring 11 tracks of 100 proof bluesy bliss infused with his smoldering guitar and vocal stylings.

They really don't make them like this cat anymore.. an authentic and consummately accomplished Son of the Blues, playing his beat but sweet road-worn strat, soulfully telling his life stories through a smooth and sweet gravely rasp and conjuring stinging and soulful mojo out of his instrument like a voodoo priest casting spells at the crossroads in the middle of the night. The opener "Down Home Blues" sets the stage with a pulsing swamp foot groove, soaring slide work and single malt-smooth vocals, laying the blueprint for the rest of this rock-solid outing.

Bryce covers the ZZ Top classic Waitin' For The Bus and the Allman Brothers Come And Go Blues with aplomb, actually giving the distinct impression that these versions predate the originals. That may sound like blasphemy, but one listen proves the point.. Bryce truly makes them his own as he works out hard and digs in deep on each with sweat, attitude and confidence. Killer.

The set continues with the standout title track, Game Of Life, which anchors the entire disc beautifully in terms of feel, delivery and message, highlighted by a soaring "future retro" backwards guitar intro that adds spice and character and also features some very cool musical twists on this classic Janey-ized groove as the tune turns around and leads out. Flying High On Your Love seamlessly morphs a back beat shuffle verse with a Hendrixian-tinged chorus.. an unexpected stylistic innovation that is wickedly cool. The closer Faithfully caps the disc perfectly with Bryce lamenting "It's the game of life you play / I must carry on / I will sing my song / I must be strong / faithfully" interspersed - Grooveyard Records


"Amazon "Blues In My Soul" CD Reviews"

Hard driving blues-rock in the mood of Johnny Winter, Mountain, Cream, and Hendrix, Bryce Janey's new power trio CD will stop guitar aficionados in their tracks. A mixture of original tunes and well-chosen covers, Janey shows taste and restraint -- as well as let-it-all-hang-out, over-the-top flair, ability, and expertise. For the most part, the CD is a high energy party, with Janey showing off what he's got: And what he's got is guitar chops that are not easily matched. He is equally proficient in slide guitar and straight playing, showing influences that include the Allman Brothers and Derek Trucks, but also Joe Bonamassa and Gary Moore. His singing shows maturity and experience, often bringing to mind Howlin' Wolf. But his playing is anything but old time blues -- it is progressive blues for a new era. It is the direction that old school virtuosos would go in if they were around today. Thankfully, Janey is here to stay, and his playing just gets better and better. --Steve Rosen (21st Century Guitar)

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Blues by New Artist, February 26, 2013
By Cyrus of Sussex "Cyrus" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Blues In My Soul (MP3 Music)
If you like rock'in Blues, buy this CD/MP3. You will enjoy the entire playlist. Somewhat similar to Craig Erickson, and Walter Trout. Great, A good singer and picker. Don't even hestitate. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars Southern Fried Texas Style Blues Rock!, February 12, 2013
By JAMES MCCORMICK (cedar rapids, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Blues In My Soul (Audio CD)
5 Stars = Masterpiece

Guitar prodigy at a young age, Bryce Janey rocks the blues in a Texas blues style, with a touch of Southern Rock for one house rocking, get down, get up, blues rock experience! His deep emotive vocals match his guitar expertise, they go together like BBQ & ribs, covered in a tasty, spicy, rich hot sauce that will smolder your blues muse into a percolating pot of hot guitar licks, to tickle your ears!

They say talent runs in the family, & in this case, that's very true, as Bryce Janey's father is Billy Lee Janey, of "Truth & Janey" fame. On "Blues In My Soul," Bryce shows us that he has learned well from his father, with extraordinary singing, playing, & writing skills. His tasty guitar work is but one dominate element of this album. The other being his deeply textured, rich resonance voice. On his beautiful cover of Robin Trower's, "In This Place," you'd think he was the late great James Dewar singing, so soulfully rich is his voice! But, "Blues In My Soul" would not be the master work it is, without Bryce's incredibly warm & lush writing abilities! He takes you down to the cross roads & back, with a soulful, funky, dazzling display of blues rock prowess, not unlike SRV, ZZ Top, & Johnny Winter at times, but mostly this album cries, Bryce Janey! For he is his own master of the blues, & that people, is a treasure in this day & age! Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others. Permalink
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5.0 out of 5 stars Great blues, scorching guitar, November 24, 2012
By Jimi in Ohio - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Blues In My Soul (Audio CD)
There aren't many guitarists who cover Robin Trower, but this guy does and it's excellent. This is heavy, hard-rocking blues, but with flashy, scorching guitar. I mean SCORCHING guitar. Bryce has a deep voice, maybe not quite up to par with his guitar, but that's a pretty high standard. His guitar playing sounds mostly like Robin Trower or Billy Gibbons, but there are hints of Hendrix and SRV, too. I haven't been this excited about a guitar player in a long time. VERY highly recommended! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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4.0 out of 5 stars Bryce Jams, October 14, 2012
By ORcust - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Blues In My Soul (Audio CD)
I'm a classic Rock/Blues type of guy. I like everything for ACDC to ZZ Top including Santana and Eric Clapton of the old school Rockers and I recently found some rocking Blues guys like Gary Moore, Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. I especially like anything with a jamming guitar. I never heard of this guy before I bought this CD but he definately qualifies as someone I can really get into. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars SMELLS LIKE BLUES !!, October 2, 2012
By To The Max - Amazon


Discography

Practice What You Preach - Hot Fudge Records - 1995

Byrce Janey Live At J.M. O'Malley's - Hot Fudge Records - 2001

The Janeys - Self Released - 2002

Heal The Night - Hot Fudge Records - 2006

Blues In My Soul - Grooveyard Records - 2010

Game Of Life - Grooveyard Records - 2011

Photos

Bio

Bryce Janey began his career at the age of 13 in his hometown of Marion, IA in a blues-rock trio called The Janey’s. With his mother on drums and his father BillyLee on guitar, The Janey’s played regionally and nationally from Chicago to Los Angeles. They shared the stage with over 50 national acts, including Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Traveler, Johnny Winter, Elvin Bishop and the late great "Queen of the blues" Koko Taylor!! While still in The Janey’s, Bryce began a solo career and released his first CD, Practice What You Preach in 1995. Since then, he has released 7 more CDs. These early CD's have gained national attention, five stars from Blues Access magazine and great reviews from Blues Revue and Living Blues, among others. Bryce's new Electric CD's "Blues In My Soul" and "Game of Life"(8th solo disc) by this outstanding blues/rock axe slinger from Iowa feature his phenomenal, top-shelf, world-class, soul-powered, retro-70s bluesy heavy guitar "six string mojo" that truly delivers on all levels of greatness."Blues In My Soul"and "Game Of Life" is Bryce Janey's finest hour and stands tall in the supreme blues/rock guitar world. Highly recommended to fans of Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, Billy Gibbons & ZZ Top, Johnny Winter, SRV & Doyle Bramhall II. In 2007 Bryce was Inducted into the Iowa Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame with the BlueBand, and was the Iowa Blues Challenge Winner 2011. And in 2012 was an IBC Semi-Finalist in Memphis,TN. Bryce has performed at many Major Festivals including Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival, Buddy Guy's Blues Fest(Chicago Blues Fest 1990) and Most Recently in 2012 at "Ribfest" in Fort Wayne, IN and The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival Davenport, IA.