Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band - 'Renaissance Man'

This offering by Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band shows what a group of six seasoned music veterans can do when led by drummer extraordinaire Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson, a founding member of the Allman Bros. Band, who, along with Butch Trucks, created the iconic group’s criss-cross polyrhythms.

The septet crafts a swinging, skillfully executed body of jams embracing blues-rock, soul, jazz, pop-jazz and ballads.

Take the opener “Dilemma.” It’s a grabber that sounds informed by the Allmans’ “Whipping Post” but later drifts into an after-hours jazz session showcasing the ensemble’s three superb horn players. 

Other highlights include the wistful, sunny jazz of “Drifting and Turning,” the blues punch of “Leaving Trunk,” a soulful reading of “Rainy Night in Georgia.” Special praise should go to Junior Mack’s solid vocals and versatile guitar work.

Jaimoe and his mates do it all and do it well.

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Download “Points of Friendship,” “Laurie Ann Blue”

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