The Coldwater Sessions
VizzTone, 2020
8/10
Listen to The Coldwater Sessions
Perhaps best known as the frontman for Little Boys Blue for over two decades, JD Taylor brings his veteran status and incredible skills to this first solo album, where his accomplished song craft takes help from some of the best players Memphis has to offer.
“Got Me Where You Want Me” starts the listen with plenty of energy as fluid blues guitar and warm organ work together alongside the gritty vocals, and “Ooh Wee” continues the atmosphere with spirited harmonica, plenty of vibrant brass and a harp solo, too.
Close to the middle, “At First Glance” trims the pace back with much raw emotion in the slow burner, while “By All Means” offers all sorts of rhythm in the bluesy swagger with contagious rock’n’roll spirit. “Hanging On”, one of the album’s best, then bounces with a timeless appeal that’s so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.
Near the end, “Anastasia” enters darker territory with cautious instrumentation as Mikey Junior lends a hand (he also wrote the tune), and “The Coldwater Swing” exits the listen and is indeed swing friendly as it shakes with an infectious flavor that will leave your body unable to sit still.
Taylor’s harmonica prowess and soulful pipes serve these blues, roots and Americana originals well, as it appears that he’s going to achieve a similar level of greatness solo that he accomplished with his full band work.
Travels well with: Tony Holiday- Soul Service; Tyler Morris- Living In The Shadows