Jesus Of New Orleans
Big Boo, 2020
8/10
Listen to Jesus Of New Orleans
A St. Louis native who has called New York City home for nearly two decades now, Jack Spann has made quite a name for himself as a keyboardist, and even earned a spot playing on the demos for David Bowie’s final record.
Here, Spann handles vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar and bass, while Cecil Robinson holds down drums/percussion and John Covelli brings his trombone to the lively “Jesus Of New Orleans”, which appear in 2 versions and brings a small handful of other musicians to the party, too.
A tune that’s not short of festive funk ideas and with plenty of grooves present, Spann and company spend 10 minutes impressing us with soulful backing vocals, finger snapping, strategic brass and a dynamic, lively energy that will get your body moving. The radio edit is a condensed version of the tune, but thankfully doesn’t leave out the rock, soul and jazz qualities of it’s robust and timeless nature.
Hopefully a precursor to a forthcoming album, Spann appears to be in fine form and surrounded by exceptional talent on this 2 track disc that definitley warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: Joe Jackson- The Duke; Todd Rundgren- Runt