The Jujubes – Where Are We Now
The Jujubes are an upcoming blues trio based in London who have released their debut album. ‘Where Are We Now’ opens with the Fred Mac Dowell tune ‘You’re Gonna Be Sorry’ complete with an upbeat harmonica solo by Pete Sim.
‘Change Is Coming’ is one of three original compositions with a steady drum beat and a textured vocal courtesy of Nikki Brooks. The sultry ‘Why Don’t You Do Right?’ (originally by Joe McCoy) includes a smooth double bass that transports you to a smoky jazz club. The sombre ‘Funeral Song’ reminds me of the Oasis song ‘The Importance Of Being Idle’ but has Sandy Michie’s fluid Spanish acoustic guitar that is crystal clear. The addition of the Elmore James tune ‘It Hurts Me To’ is technically well-executed whilst the clapping backbeat on Son House’s ‘John The Revelator’ sounds like Johnny Cash might be an inspiration – I could hear this arrangement working quite well on Sons Of Anarchy. Wrapping up proceedings with ‘Dark Was The Night Cold Was The Ground’, it is a lonesome tale delivered with an emotional voice.
In conclusion, The Jujubes are talented in the songwriting department but they have opted to travel through blues music history in an almost archival fashion which whilst respectful, is musically very safe. Hopefully some more original material will shine through in the future like it deserves to.
The Jujubes debut album ‘Where Are We Now’ is out now.
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