The Soul of John Black

Imagine that Prince was born in Greenville, MS. His uncles are Albert King and Al Green. What kind of music would he create? John "JB” Bigham as the Soul of John Black realises this fantasy with his debut CD. Having cut his teeth with artists as diverse as Fishbone, Miles Davis and Dr. Dre, Bigham plays almost everything (except the bass, keys and turntable samples). He also composed all 12 songs, many of them featuring "traditional meets modern” themes. The results are fascinating. Anyone who believes that a genre should stay within the limits of its previously established history will reject this CD as too far removed from its conventions. If you’re a blues adventurer, The Good Girl Blues might just rock your world. Fans of Little Axe, Son of Dave or Chris Thomas King will love it. A roots-y blend of blues, funk, soul and hip-hop held together by Bigham’s sweet tenor voice, crisp rhythm guitar and solos, The Good Girl Blues is a late night seduction waiting to happen. "The Moon Blues” is a languorous meditation on love’s mysteries; a wicked slide lick anchors the sexy, cautionary "Swamp Thing”; the slow burn of "Fire Blues” is a pleading soul scorcher; and "I Got Work” is a lustful admission of devotional love. The instrumental "Slipin’ and Slidin’” is the CD’s ultimate blues statement; it features understated slide guitar, a funky backbeat and guest DJ Phizz Ed on turntables. It’s an aural glimpse of history and the future neatly merged into one.