Album Review — Sass Jordan
Sass Jordan — Rebel Moon Blues
In all the craziness of life right now, I’m trying to see the positive. I live in San Francisco and we are currently locked down in our homes for the next three weeks. No sporting events, no concerts to attend, movie theaters are closed. There isn’t a lot positive about that, but I should have a lot more time on my hands to listen to music.
So we continue on with the album reviews. This week, one of my favorite artists, Sass Jordan, released a blues album called “Rebel Moon Blues”. The album features 8 classic blues covers and one original track titled “The Key”.
I knew I was going to be a Sass Jordan fan the first time I ever heard her. She was opening for Steve Perry and I was so excited to see him that I didn’t care who was opening. But when she hit the stage and I heard that voice it grabbed my attention. I’ve been a huge fan ever since and have everything she’s ever released and more.
That being said, I’m not a big blues fan and definitely not overly knowledgable, so I was surprised to hear such variety on a blues record. There are acoustic tracks, there are horns, there’s the bluesy ballad, there’s the old school southern sounding blues and the more Chicago-style, Blues Brothers type sound. And Sass can sing them all. She’s always had one of the bluesiest voices in rock and roll so she is right at home on these tracks.
The opening two tracks feature some great blues harp and are more classic old school blues. Jordan’s gritty vocals are a perfect fit.
“Am I Wrong” features a guitar hand claps and Jordan’s bluesy delivery. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record.
“The Key” is the one original track on the record and probably the least bluesy track. It’s as much Tom Petty as anything else. It’s a great track and hopefully Sass has plans for a new album of original material sooner than later.
The album closes with Gary Moore’s “Still Got The Blues”. It’s a bluesy ballad and Jordan saves her best vocal work for last.
The album is relatively short at only eight tracks but there’s plenty of variety for a blues album and Jordan’s voice alone makes this is a must listen.
Performance wise, this album is fantastic. My personal preference of not being a fan of the blues is the only knock I have against this record. But if are a Sass fan and especially if you like the blues, this album is a must buy.
85 out of 100
Track Listing
- Leaving Trunk
- My Babe
- Am I Wrong *
- One Way Out
- Palace of the King
- The Key *
- Too Much Alcohol
- Still Got The Blues *
*Best Songs