Behind The Veil
Gulf Coast, 2023
8/10
The singer and harmonica wizard Jason Ricci makes a strong label debut here with 12 lively tracks that bring in plenty of guests for the energetic occasion.
“Casco Bay” opens the listen with John Perkins’ fluid drumming alongside Ricci’s raw vocals in the cautious but rich climate, and “5-10-15” follows with Joe Krown’s animated keys alongside Kaitlin Dibble’s pretty and flowing pipes.
Moving towards the middle, the thick and thumping “Ain’t She Fine” welcomes Brent Johnson’s meticulous electric guitar amid the soulful singing, while “Terrors Of Nightlife” is a more intimate moment thanks to the emotive harmonica that builds into a dense blues rocker.
“Shipwreck” and “Hip Hug Her” exit the listen, where the former is a powerful display of timeless blues via Jack Joshua’s precise bass and the expressive singing, and the latter is textured with a dynamic interaction that’s dance floor ready and packed full of rhythm.
The always impressive Joanna Connor plays guitar on the album, which contributes to the greatness of these tunes, and Ricci’s colorful career as a sideman certainly adds much to this top notch outing.
Travels well with: Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack; Ole Lonesome- Tejas Motel