Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Jon Klein Combine is a hard-working blues-rock band from Somerville that combines the funky strut of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan with the soulful grit of the Allman Brothers Band. Vocalist Klein is the one of the luckiest guys in the universe because he is in a band with his son, Matt. Nothing beats a family band, especially when it's playing roots music.
Their collaboration on a self-titled debut is meaty, fierce and fun. The older Klein's vocals and younger Klein's rhythms are limited compared to lead guitarist Steve Linane's killer chops, but the results make for a worthy listen, much more the real blues deal than the watered-down stuff of Alligator Records or most major-label offerings. Both Kleins are good songwriters too, rooted in the aforementioned acts, plus James Brown, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, the three Kings, Paul Butterfield, Johnny Winter, Otis Redding and a smackerling of Led Zeppelin.
One of the most entertaining tracks, "United States of the Blues," mentions several of those influences. Yet, throughout the disc, the Combine does its best to put forth its own style of raw, funky, soulful, often hard-rocking grooves. This can be heard on the driving "Only Wanna Be With You" and the scorching "Burn."
Like Gregg Allman, the Kleins appear to dig covering Ray Charles, which they mine quite nicely on the often-overlooked nugget "Blackjack." But the best track is the smokey ballad "There Is Something On Your Mind," featuring a sweet harp and sax solos by two of the disc's many special guests.
Rounding out the band is the solid rhythm section of drummer Chris Badami and bassist Dave Lepak.
Jon Klein Combine will perform again with Milo Z on Dec. 3 at Mexicali Blues in Teaneck and back at the Whiskey Bar on Dec. 16. The band also can be seen Nov. 19 at The Stanhope House, Stanhope, and Nov. 28 at The Red Lion Pub, New York. Info: www.jonkleincombine.com
BOB MAKIN
from the Courier News website www.c-n.com
- Courier News
"The Jon Klein Combine infuses their kick-butt rock 'n' roll with plenty of musical hooks and an umbilical cord connection to the blues. Their original tunes create deja vu -- as if their songs have been woven into the American musical tapestry for decades."
Black Jack Ketchum
Good Morning Blues
WRFG/89.3 FM -- Atlanta
www.wrfg.org - Good Morning Blues WRFG/89.3 FM -- Atlanta
Discography
-3 Song Demo
-The Jon Klein Combine (full length self titled) D-funkd Records
-"Save Me" (Radio Single) D-funkd Records
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Jon Klein Combine is not only a great blues derivative band, but a project fronted by a father and son team driven to create quality music, not limited by genera, age or influence. The Jon Klein Combine is 80% blues, 80% rock and 40% soul and funk; which makes for 200% of fiercely indignant blues derivative music. The JKC is focused on one specific goal, TO TURN OUT GREAT MUSIC!!! From traditional blues to hard rock, the JKC delivers quality tunes that they would term "New Old School".
Drawing deep from within the tradition of American Blues, The JKC's music harkens back to blues greats like Freddy King, Bobby Bland and Ray Charles, while staying current with influences like Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, Deep Banana Blackout, Chris Duarte, Sound Garden, Rage Against The Machine and others. Sounds diverse? Well it is and it works!!
The JKC has been brandishing their blues derivative music for the past ten years and are the best kept underground musical secret in the northeast. Hailing from the New Jersey/New York metro area, The JKC embodies this region's personality with songs that are tough, down, dirty and direct. Each tune carries with it the sophisticated, gritty, insightful, brash and unapologetic attitude of the band.
If you are tired of the same old shuffle blues, jam-bandish self-indulgence or angst-driven teenie bopper rock, than you are on the same page as The Jon Klein Combine. The JKC is looking to recruit you into their army of fans that looks for music based on quality and not packaging. The JKC is a band with a no-nonsense approach and definite philosophy. The Jon Klein Combine believes in a good natured, musical ass whoopin!!!
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