Liz Jones describes the band’s music as “a right bloody rootsy cocktail. The album is not a rock album and it’s not a blues album, but in places it might rock you, and others, tickle your blues sensor.”
The accompanying video to “Johnny Knows The Roads” is a roller coaster ride through Edinburgh (Auld Reekie), inspired by the erratic driving of legendary guitarist John Bruce. This extended opening track is double the length of the radio edit version which features later in the album and sets the scene perfectly with its lively upbeat vibe, Jones’ stunning vocals, and Bruce’s trademark inventive solos.
The light-hearted banter about whose mother makes the best ‘mince and tatties’ is the unlikely theme of “Takin’ Your Time,” but it is also the platform for some seriously good Telecaster from UK Blues Award Winner James Oliver. His scintillating interludes are exciting and innovative.
“Broken Lens” is where Liz proves how far she has progressed as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist over the past decade. Her powerful vocals are breathtaking, the lyrics poignant, and the song beautifully arranged – Miso Fathand’s sumptuous cello strings adding flow and texture.
The blues permeates “Lethargy” from the start: “Last night’s whisky sitting by my bed/Has more appeal than the real day ahead.” The options are to get up or stay in bed, drink some more and “Wait for a revolution and feel them blues.” Liz’s vocals are as smoky and intoxicating as the whiskey. Saxophone colossus John Burgess introduces a taste of brass to this eclectic mix.
Liz Jones has an incredible vocal range, her softer tones evident on “You Can Cry,” a moving ballad enhanced by Jamie Hamilton’s atmospheric keys and John’s empathetic guitar contributions.
The title track “Double Measures” is part vaudeville, courtesy of some fine fiddle playing from Douglas Montgomery but mainly it’s about the reality of ‘the morning after’ when the person seduced isn’t very happy, which evokes the reaction. “Quit your moaning, we’re too old/ To be deploring a drunken roll.”
The mesmeric opening to “Mother Earth” is the precursor to an enchanting song about how an atheist has to turn to mother earth for help. Suzy Cargill is an exceptional, versatile percussionist who complements Gary Davidson’s clean and precise drumming throughout.
Liz tells the story of “Bala Man”: “On my way home from a south coast family gathering, a man boarded the train at Bristol, he was from Bala, Wales. He wanted to chat about his long distance love life in Arbroath, Scotland and said it was his ‘borrowed home’, which resonated with me, being in Edinburgh. We were both going ‘home,’ him for his break, me after mine.” The story unfolds in the captivating chorus, “Speeding winter steel/Northern we roll/I am a drifter/Young dove, old crow.”
“Can’t Go Home” was the situation Liz found herself when locked out of her flat during Edinburgh Fringe Festival, her imagination taking in the sights and sounds of Mexico and Vegas. The increasing vocal intensity is complemented by John’s intricate slide work.
“The question posed in a crime drama, Where is your Jesus now? was the inspiration for “Jesus.” Liz looks for meaning and ponders believing, “But only things I can see ease my mind.” A combination of superb recording quality, special effects, vocal harmonies, and subtle nuances from each instrument makes this a standout track.
Double Measures is an intriguing and very special album with a raw authenticity courtesy of Jen Clark’s expert production, tracking the band live in her attic studio. It may not be pure blues but Liz has a voice which oozes this genre and a band of musicians including bassist Rod Kennard, John Bruce, and Jamie Hamilton who are steeped in the blues. Rod and John were former members of Blues ‘n’ Trouble, an influential band in the history of Scotland’s burgeoning blues scene.
This album is available on CD and some tracks are on streaming platforms. The vinyl double LP in an attractive gatefold sleeve also includes four tracks from the 2021 Liz Jones album, Bricks And Martyrs.
The Band:
Liz Jones: vocals and acoustic guitar
Suzy Cargill: percussion, mandolin and backing vocals
Gary Davidson: drums
Rod Kennard: bass
Jamie Hamilton: keyboards and backing vocals
John Bruce: electric guitar
All songs written by Liz Jones
Double Measures, Bala Man and Jesus co-written with John Bruce
Recording and Production
