Vasti Jackson just rolled out a ten-track release that has heart, soul and originality. His scholared musical experience and talents shine through.
According to Jackson in a recent phone interview this release “is very story-oriented” being “an archival piece about the culture and the story, as we know the blues.” The idea is that “the musician, accompanist should always follow the storyteller.” To reflect the old tradition, getting away from the spectacle of flashy guitar solos. He set out to “make the guitar, as a lead instrument; counterpoint to the vocal, be more lyrical, another voice. The (guitar) solo has to serve the song.”
Opening track “Voodoo Boogie” starts with a dirty, hill country style, solo electric guitar riff before a floor-tom, tribal boogie beat kicks in. Here, our journey with him begins and doesn’t disappoint. His hook reels in the soul, real good.
“There’s something in the air, and I can feel it. Oh yea, that jungle beat, get in your feet.
Make you get up, out of your seat. That voodoo boogie.”
Then enter the back-up vocal response. Singers affirming “Yeah” leaving no doubt to Jackson’s proclamations. Matched with a spine shiver-induced rhythm guitar riff, ain’t no turning back.
Second track “My Sunshine My Rain” is a confession to his beloved. Poetic metaphors are paired with the chorus “You made me a better man.” Sweet guitar licks and melodic bass add color and emotion fueling the lyrics. The gentle chorus vamps out repeating “You are my sunshine, my rain.” When at a loss of expressing your endearments, play her this song.
At first brush opening guitar progression on “Hard Man” reminds one of “Smoke On The Water” but quickly recesses into a bouncy rhythmic and prowling groove. Punchy horns lend a tough-city polish. This protagonist boasts bravado warning the ladies with double entendres.
The relaxed walking blues “Online Love Affair” starts with a sort of spoken public service announcement as Jackson warns the uninitiated of the risks of virtual romance. An updated cautionary warning of that age-old act of searching for love in all the wrong online-places. The more things change, the more things are the same.
“Plus Size” is a bigger-the-better, more-of-you-to-love song. A lighthearted wordplay about his girl. Right Now embodies a late night longing for a missing lover. The slow, minor key sadness stages his occupied search for answers. He can’t find comfort. Jackson’s voice emotes pain and his guitar moans between each forlorn utterance. At the beginning Jackson’s guitar channels Jeff Beck. The song is emotional and melancholy.
Hailing from McComb Mississippi, crafting this song must be close to his heart. “Miss Is Sippi” is a gritty, funky cadence with phat bass and a Hammond B3 organ ripping throughout. This mighty waterway is glorified as a woman, a lifeline, and a funk house celebration.
Miss Is Sippi, I want to drink you up
Miss Is Sippi, Throw my cup
Miss Is Sippi, I never get enough
Miss Is Sippi, good, good stuff
“Hot and Cold Love” is hard-hitting and doesn’t let up. Contradictions abound: “You love me, you don’t, you will, you won’t, forgive but can’t forget.” Chugging bass, energetic tempo, the unharnessed guitar riffs channel this lover’s anger to the end as the chorus dictates “I quit.” It’s a girl-messed-up tune.
“S.H.E.” is an affirming ballad honoring all things that women have and are destined to achieve. Jackson offers a timely lyric “She could be president. Congratulations Madam President.” Unsure when this was penned but it stands out with poise and promise.
Closing the release is “America, PNS.” A fitting finale. A song about the most important lady in our life; Lady Liberty. Just a voice and an acoustic guitar, the lyrics are what compels this song. His guitar hints at a latin-style, staccato, chord picking. Think Jose Feliciano’s version of “Light My Fire.” Jackson affirms that our country is proud and strong. “Thank God America is our home.” A dose of gratitude for what we do have. And a reminder of our goodness that we should agree upon.
Jackson has deep talent both lyrically and instrumentally. Add in his lifelong devotion to the blues, he is an artist to follow. A prime example of the power of music. If you are not yet hip to him, get to know Jackson and check out Royal American Blues. He is so worth it.
