This album is the follow up to Reggie Washinton's successful 2015 release Rainbow Shadows Vol 1 and the continuation of his tribute to Jef Lee Johnson. This month marks 5 years since Guitarist, singer and songwriter Jef Lee Johnson died of complications from pneumonia and diabetes at age 54. Johnson's list of credits during his short but productive career are to numerous to list however it was in Ronald Shannon Jackson’s group Decoding Society in 1986 that Jef Lee and Reggie came to meet.
In the liner notes to Vol2 Reggie stated “This album expresses many feelings reflecting today’s tense geo-political climate. It speaks to our times. And if you carefully listen to and read Jef Lee’s lyrics, they ring true.”
The album opens with a track called “Silence”. In the notes to the album Reggie states that the track was originally intended to be an instrumental however when vocals were added by Philadelphia native Monique Harcum Reggie says “the choice became clear that this track should open the album”. I can’t agree more, “Silence” sets the scene for an album that draws you in from the first note and continues to surprise with each track. This track is firmly rooted in the Mississippi Delta with guitar and drums holding down the groove allowing Reggie the freedom to double the melody in unison with Harcum.
As the title to the following track “Blind Willie McTell” eludes, a latent blues undertone is once again present although subtle to say the least. This track, originally by Bob Dylan, is opened by Washington with a bass solo. In due course the track morphs into two way conversation between Marvin Sewell on guitar and Washington tied together beautifully by Patrick Dorcean on drums. As the track progresses DJ Grazzhoppa joins the conversation adding samples of some of the most idiotic statements made so far by the current U.S. President, Donald Trump. I have to admit at the end of the track I was left speechless, incredible. Having played this album many times I have to claim this tune as my favorite track on the album.
The structure of the album is interesting with longer extended tracks being interspersed with shorter tracks, often with spoken word, that function as a segue to what’s coming next. This in no way negatively effects the organic flow of the album and in my opinion only adds to the continuity by adding context. I particularly enjoyed the rhythmic tension created in “Hype” parts 1 and 2 and the down low funk of “Sizzlean”, a tune about an artificial breakfast substitute bacon strip popular in 1970s and 80s.
Reggie’s solo peice “Other Thoughts of Fanny’s Toy” is a masterpiece in melody. Of particular note is the section where both tracks come together being doubled an octave apart before once again splitting off for the return of the theme.
This album is rooted in the blues and full of creativity. The performances are outstanding as is the production quality – I can’t recommend this album more highly. As a tribute to Jef Lee Johnson, I can only imagine he is wearing a heavenly grin from ear to ear.
Reggie Washington (basses)
DJ Grazzhoppa (turntables & samples)
Marvin Sewell (guitar)
Patrick Dorcéan (drums)
Guest Performers:
Monique Harcum (lead vocals)
John Massa (saxophones)
Hervé Samb (guitar)
Jimi Hazel (guitar)
Ronny Drayton (guitar)
Federico Gonzalez Peña (keyboards & strings)
1. Silence (No Secret)
2. Blind Willie McTell (Live)
3. Hype, Pt. 1
4. RSJ
5. Children of the Sonic Soul / Gutter Punk with a Geschlossen
6. The Moon Keeps Telling Me Things
7. It Usually Slides Open / Solo To “O”
8. Hard to Keep the Faith
9. Cake
10. Sizzlean
11. Other Thoughts of Fanny’s Toy
12. Hype, Pt. 2
13. Testimony / Open Up
14. RSJ (Reprise)
15. It Ain’t Hard for You
16. Emmett Till
17. Rainbow Shadow Excellent Ending
Buy the album at: iTunes | CD Baby | Buy Direct
Reggie Washington will be presenting the CD Live in Paris at New Morning on the 13th of February. More Details here.
