Set The Record
Stonyplain, 2022
8/10
The first album from the trio of Jeff Rogers (vocals, piano, keyboard bass, keys), JW-Jones (guitar, backing vocals) and Jamie Holmes (drums, percussion, backing vocals), as Horojo Trio they bring soul, blues and rock’n’roll into these very memorable 11 tunes.
“Man Of Steel” gets the listen off to a lively start with the firm keys and bouncy rhythm section of the blues rocker, and “A Little Goes A Long Way” follows with Steve Strongman on acoustic guitar for the breezy melodies and powerful singing.
Deeper into the listen, “The Night” trims the pace with a warm intimacy amid the poetic singing, while “Hard As I Can” thumps with a soulful, gospel demeanor that benefits from cozy backing vocals and spirited guitar.
Approaching the end, “Something You Should Know”, the album’s best, is a quick and frisky display of timeless blues, acrobatic drumming and soaring guitar licks, and “Real Deal” exits the listen with both loud and thick textures alongside slower but no less impactful songwriting.
All 3 musicians have impressive resumes, and their collective strengths makes for a very impressive debut that will be sure to strike a chord with any fan of the blues.
Travels well with: Steve Marriner- Hope Dies Last; Rory Block- Prove It On Me