JASON RICCI & NEW BLOOD Source: Louisville Eccentric Observer Date: 01/2008 Writer: T.E. Lyons

January 17, 2008 

New Blood courses through Ricci’s veins 

Tuesday, Jan. 22 

“Lots of people would gladly tell me when I’m not playing the blues,” says Jason Ricci. Fortunately, the harmonica player has always known better than to be anxious about whether he was playing to a particular category. 

“It’s not been my goal to define the music,” he says. Now that his ensemble, New Blood, continue to gather support, Ricci can watch his act’s growth with smiles and a ready candor. 

He and his guitar/bass/drums cohorts should be in fine spirits at Stevie Ray’s on Tuesday night. Ricci likes to think that the band’s turned quite a few corners through their sweat and determination. 

“We played 319 shows in 2006. A lot of little sports bars. Listen, the quality of a band that plays 300 gigs is tight! But it used to be the same 50 songs, and even though no two of our shows are the same, it gets to be like hanging drywall, if you know what I mean.” 

Ricci keenly observes how the harmonica is used in popular song and takes an inclusive view of what gets done whenever the instrument is pulled out of famous pockets. Ricci can relate to how musicians want to imbue their material with extra character, even if they “border on not knowing how to play.” 

A surprise favorite of this accomplished musician is Steven Tyler of Aerosmith (“Great. Not because he’s got such great chops; it’s because of his feel”). Ricci knows that “feel” is a golden ticket for some, but it’s not necessarily his own fate. “The more technical you get on the instrument, the more you limit your audience.” 

From his teenage days gigging with Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, Ricci’s made his name with solid performances that accumulated into an expansive style. He can see his band’s commonalities with North Mississippi Allstars (“They started with a primitive, but not simplistic or easy style”), Derek Trucks Band (with jams that’ll go into jazz and Eastern music, but “comes from a blues canvas”) and Gov’t Mule. 

“We’re getting a lot of tapers. About 10 percent of our shows are going on the web now,” Ricci says. “And my opinion is that that group buys CDs and is supportive.” 

Your opportunity to support is Tuesday. Stevie Ray’s is at 230 E. Main. Doors open at 6 p.m., Call 582-9945.