2017 –Norman Jackson Bands
By Phillip Smith;
Aug 19, 2017
The
Norman Jackson Band, from Springfield, Missouri has caught my
attention in a big way. Jackson’s
debut album, “It’s the Drummer’s Fault” features eleven sizzling tracks injected
with a vibrant positive energy. The band’s
bold blend of Chicago Blues masterfully drizzled with hot buttered soul
helps me get my happy on. Front-man
guitarist/singer Norman Jackson is backed by his nephew, The Boogieman
on drums, bassist Danny Williams, and one of the hottest saxophonists I’ve
ever heard, Rick Shortt, who at age twelve, was Jackson’s apprentice.
This quartet steps into the ring and commences to
swing with a furious and funky number called “Norman’s Blues” a sweet groove
paved by the crushing beats of The Boogieman and the sweet thumping of Williams’
dazzling bassline. Jackson’s
vocals are fearless and terrific. They
sound great paired with Shortt’s fierce performance on sax. The swaying
rhythm of “Man of My House” sets a smooth and chill background to springboard Jackson’s
contrastingly soulful and raspy growls and Shortt’s signature atomic
blasts of sax. I love every bit of it. Shortt gets even more accolades on the beautiful
instrumental “All Alone”. This is his
song to stand front and center.
Jackson
brings the album to a close with “Snake in My House”, sitting on
top of a heaping platter of delicious slow-cooked blues. This album definitely lands as one of my
favorites this year.
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