Music In REVIEW • Will Jackson's Star-Studded Debut Release

If there is one falsehood perpetuated by the music industry, it is that the best music is put out by young musicians.  The star making machines are certainly geared toward finding and exposing - and likely quickly disposing of - people who are at the beginning of their musical journey.

This belies the fact that with music, like any trade or skill, the longer you stay with it, the better you get at it.  The more situations you experience and the more different musicians you play with, you morph into a more mature and complete version of yourself, even if there are days your fingers aren’t quite as nimble as they were at 21.

This brings us to Will Jackson, who over several decades has established himself as a capable and versatile sideman for a host of the area’s top talents.  If the name is not familiar, it is likely because Jackson’s main trade is as a bass player.  You may not always know his name at the end of the night, but he will have been reason 1A why people got up to dance.

With his new “solo” release, “Where There’s A Will There’s A Way,” Jackson steps to the forefront with a slate of self-penned tunes played by top shelf musicians who he has befriended and supported over the years.  The result is very satisfying.  No flash in the pan, it might be fair to call Jackson at this stage an “Over-Life Sensation.”  for the dues he has paid to get here.

If you are familiar with the blues and blues rock scenes from this region, a quick look down the liner notes will give you a taste of what you are in for.  Names like Tony Purifoy, Lavel Jackson,, Drew Pentkowski, Noel Howland, Loren Kranz and others immediately standout.

If there is an MVP aside from Will himself, it has to be Matt Burgie, who engineered and produced the album, in addition to playing drums, guitar and various vintage keyboards.

If you are a fan of modern blues, it is all here.  The swagger and swing; the heartbreak and the joy.  And a bunch of ripping guitars.

The album immediately tips off what is to come with album opener “River Of Blues,” sung by Purifoy and featuring Pentowski on slide guitar.  It is followed by a “Coda” of sorts on the second track “R.O.B. Aftermath,” where the band takes a harder instrumental variation on the opener’s theme.

The next few tracks feature Lavel Jackson on vocals, fittingly starting with “Shuffling Down To Memphis,” which features a modal lead guitar part that will make Steely Dan fans feel oddly at home.

A quick quote on guitar from the Wizard of Oz sets the tone for “Cupid Made Me Stupid”, where “It’s Just Love” slows it down and takes a slightly more serious approach to the topic.

The album also features lead vocal turns from Pentowski on “Cruisin’ With The Top Down, with Dave Kellan flying in a vocal “On Chasing Your Memory Through The Blues.”

Stephanie Noel Howland gives the project the touch of her distinctive voice on the country-tinged “Another Song About A Broken Heart.” This track also features a guest spot by Mike Brush on piano.

Lavel Jackson returns and joins Dene Pruitt on the funky “A Little Bit Of Love,” which has the feel of a classic Motown duet, while album closer “Where There’s A Will There’s A Way,” is a real highlight.  Clocking it at over seven minutes, it is an instrumental jam that wears Southern influence somewhere between The Allman Brothers and The DIxie Dregs. 

The album has been released for general distribution and has gained traction in the blues radio market according to publicist Charlie Walmsley. Jackson himself is quite pleased with a project that started off as a few songs for his kids and grandkids.

All in all I have no qualms calling this an excellent effort and one of my top listens of the year.  If you like well-constructed, well recorded songs, with spot on vocals and searing guitar parts, this one should be on your holiday shopping list. You can purchase the album in CD form or it is available for streaming on all the major platforms.