You can't judge a book by its cover -- and you can't judge a CD by its sound quality. The latest homegrown effort from local bluesman James Booker (a.k.a. Little Dubie Joe or The Jesusman) may be a tad low-fi, but what's on the disc is worth the trade.
"The Word is Out"
Jesusman (A Coal Miner's Son)
Self-produced
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- You can't judge a book by its cover -- and you can't judge a CD by its sound quality. The latest homegrown effort from local bluesman James Booker (aka Little Dubie Joe or The Jesusman) might be a tad low-fi, but what's on the disc is worth the trade.
You've probably seen Booker driving around town in his Jesusman mini-van (decorated with slogans like "I'm not ashamed of the name") and dressed impeccably in his homemade "army of the lord" uniform. Not surprisingly, Booker's life is as interesting as his music. A victim of polio as a teenager, he counts among his professions a policeman, an Army man, an orderly in a sanitarium and a longtime minister, just to name a few. He also helps needy folks to and from the grocery store and blesses strangers and friends alike whether it's in a convenience store or walking down the street.
For my money, Booker and Nat Reese are the best bluesmen in the state, but, like Reese, Booker's musical bag contains far more than just blues. As he demonstrates on this disc, he's a natural at Ray Charles-styled country. Interestingly, his country-gospel ballads sound more than a little like Hasil Adkins' more tender moments ("Moon Over Madison"). The comparison goes one step further as Booker is also a "one-man band," playing guitar, bass lines, keyboards and harmonica (often at the same time).
"The Word is Out" features slightly re-written country and gospel songs, as well as a few like-minded Booker originals -- most with his gospel commentary. He opens with "So We Could Win Again," which turns Hank Williams' "You Win Again" into a gospel tune. From there, he shows off his yodeling chops on "Jesus is Coming (Train)" and offers up takes on the gospel standards "Glory Glory Burdens Down" and "Great Speckled Bird." Elsewhere, "Preach the Word is Out" splits the difference between Ray Charles and Pops Staples.
The disc is far from perfect, but it's a snapshot of just one of Booker's musical personas. While this disc showcases his country side, Booker happens to be a great blues and R&B guitarist. If you see him playing, do yourself a favor and catch his show. You won't be disappointed. To get the CD ($10), call 304-437-0797.
"The Word is Out"
Jesusman (A Coal Miner's Son)
Self-produced
----------
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- You can't judge a book by its cover -- and you can't judge a CD by its sound quality. The latest homegrown effort from local bluesman James Booker (aka Little Dubie Joe or The Jesusman) might be a tad low-fi, but what's on the disc is worth the trade.
You've probably seen Booker driving around town in his Jesusman mini-van (decorated with slogans like "I'm not ashamed of the name") and dressed impeccably in his homemade "army of the lord" uniform. Not surprisingly, Booker's life is as interesting as his music. A victim of polio as a teenager, he counts among his professions a policeman, an Army man, an orderly in a sanitarium and a longtime minister, just to name a few. He also helps needy folks to and from the grocery store and blesses strangers and friends alike whether it's in a convenience store or walking down the street.
For my money, Booker and Nat Reese are the best bluesmen in the state, but, like Reese, Booker's musical bag contains far more than just blues. As he demonstrates on this disc, he's a natural at Ray Charles-styled country. Interestingly, his country-gospel ballads sound more than a little like Hasil Adkins' more tender moments ("Moon Over Madison"). The comparison goes one step further as Booker is also a "one-man band," playing guitar, bass lines, keyboards and harmonica (often at the same time).
"The Word is Out" features slightly re-written country and gospel songs, as well as a few like-minded Booker originals -- most with his gospel commentary. He opens with "So We Could Win Again," which turns Hank Williams' "You Win Again" into a gospel tune. From there, he shows off his yodeling chops on "Jesus is Coming (Train)" and offers up takes on the gospel standards "Glory Glory Burdens Down" and "Great Speckled Bird." Elsewhere, "Preach the Word is Out" splits the difference between Ray Charles and Pops Staples.
The disc is far from perfect, but it's a snapshot of just one of Booker's musical personas. While this disc showcases his country side, Booker happens to be a great blues and R&B guitarist. If you see him playing, do yourself a favor and catch his show. You won't be disappointed. To get the CD ($10), call 304-437-0797.
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