JASON RICCI & NEW BLOOD "DONE WITH THE DEVIL" Source: BluesWax Date: 06/2009 Writer: Richard Ludmerer

Jason Ricci is a world-class harmonica player. His independently produced album Blood on The Run displayed his masterful technique. His first Eclecto Groove album, 2007's Rocket Number 9, established this young man as a rising Rock and Blues star. On this sophomore effort, Jason outdoes himself with an even better album.

Once again this is a band effort. Ricci opens with three songs co-written with guitarist Shawn Starski. On "Done With The Devil" Ricci states that he has dealt with his demons. "Sweet Loving" may be his best vocal, while "Holler For Craig Lawler" is a tribute to his late friend and harmonica pupil.

It's on "Broken Toy," however, that Ricci gives his deepest performance. I, for one, had a problem listening to and coming to terms with someone who is gay and yet has a passion for music often considered a man's music. On this song, Ricci sings "I'm not a girl, I'm not a Boy, I'm just a broken toy." If others have this problem, music can be a learning experience and perhaps Jason is a teacher of sorts. Surely, he will make a significant contribution.

"Ptryptophan Pterodactyl" is an instrumental written by bassist Todd Edmunds. "I Turned Into A Martian" is a song written by the Punk Rocker Glenn Danzig. "How It Came To Be" is written and sung by Starski. Drummer Ed Michaels has wrote and sings on "Keep The Wolf from My Door." Ricci is proving himself to be a bandleader, too.

Ricci then outdoes himself on three songs from varying influences. "As Long as I Have You" is from Willie Dixon, "Afro Blue" is an instrumental from Mongo Santamaria, and Ricci closes once again with an instrumental from Sun Ra. On the latter, Ricci begins his harp solo sounding like a Polka and by the end he is sounding Parisian. That is why he is a winner.

Like I said, Ricci is not for everyone. Musicians and devotees however will be enthused.