2015 – Jennifer Westwood
and the Handsome Devils
By Phillip Smith; Dec 5, 2015
I have nothing but good
things to say about Detroit band, Jennifer
Westwood and the Handsome Devils. Their
debut album Greetings From This Town
is an intoxicating Memphis-meets-Nashville blend of rock, blues, and country. Lead vocalist Jennifer Westwood is joined by guitarist Dylan Dunbar, bassist Jeremy
Mackinder, pianist/organist Jarrod
Champion, and drummer Matt Stahl.
Westwood’s sultry
yet powerful vocals instantly draw me in on “Bad Luck Charm” a rockin’ track sweetened
by Dunbar with luscious guitar licks. I’m quite drawn to “Living on the Fringe”, a relatable
country song about just getting through the day. Westwood
has such a pretty voice; it reminds me a lot of Linda Ronstadt, especially on this track. “Nobody’s Business” is one cool as hell post-break-up
song. Champion lays down some ominous chords on the organ while Dunbar serves up a funky dose of cowboy
surf guitar.
Westwood and the Handsome Devils put their own spin on R.L. Burnside’s “Skinny Woman” with “Redneck Man”. Westwood
and Dunbar nail this duet to the
tree as they belt the song out with conviction and true grit. Dunbar
dishes out a magnificent guitar performance on this one too. Other
stand-out covers include Eddie Rabbit’s
“Driving My Life Away” and the Stones
bluesy classic from their Exile on Main
Street album “Ventilator Blues”.
There’s something magical
about Greetings From This Town. It is an absolutely wonderful listen and music
for the rustic soul.
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