JASON RICCI & NEW BLOOD "DONE WITH THE DEVIL" Source: Colossal Pop Date: 09/2009 Writer: Jaime Vincent

For quite some time now when I listen to Blues music, I’ve only been listening to the greats - Muddy Waters, Howling Wolfe, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker. It’s a pretty standard play-list and rather predictable I know. So, I was excited to listen to something out of the usual rotation. Enter Jason Ricci and New Blood. Every element that makes up Jason and the band’s music is easily recognizable yet still pushes innovation. At no time am I thinking “This sucks” or “WTF? this isn’t Blues”. The CD is Blues music. No doubt about it.

Fantasy and a burst of rock is skillfully mixed into the tracks for the “I am just checking this out” listener. They will fall in love instantly. Just take a listen to track 5 “Ptryptophan Pterodactyl”, my favorite because of the Jazz injection, for an example of this. Track 12 “Enlightenment” is the best example of whimsy on the recording and is a solid song to boot. A great blues song featured here is certainly “How it Come to Be” as well.

Jason’s harp playing is in perfect form. His spirit shines throughout. It is the core of the CD, truly makes this recording brilliant. But hey he’s the dude, what about the band? Well the guy has some superb players bringing it home alongside him. Shawn Starski, the guitarist, masterfully compliments on the harp. The bass pumps, the drums kick, and the organ mellows it all out. Everyone has their space and their time to jam. I get this music, especially the instrumental bits. There is a great balance of exploration with enough growth and risk to keep anyone interested. I just have to throw in that Jason and I share the same birthday as well.