Chicago born and California sun drenched Jay Gordon has delivered a sparkling Blues Rocker’s solid granite gem. The new album “Woodchoppers Ball” from this seven time award winner, Grammy® Nominee and Gretsch Guitar endorsed artist is a sharp, raw edged Blues diamond that combines intriguing lyrics, outstanding musicianship and is a true memorable listening experience. Seven profound fresh tracks feature artists Sharon Butcher (Bass), Ric Daly, (Drums) , Richie Valens younger brother Mario Ramirez (Saxophone), Rich Wenzel, (Hammond B3) and Rich Gordon (Drums) in different combinations. There are five re-mastered Blues jewels hand picked from Jay Gordon’s previous releases that add a certain and honest depth to this new release. Stacked together, these twelve Blues cuts are a clear example of Jay Gordon’s and Blues Venom’s no nonsense approach to making exceptional Blues Rock.
The opening offering “The Stinger” is an off the bat, eye-opening rocker. Gordon’s electric guitar work and lyrics drives home to the listener that he is a Blues guitar slinging Bluesman and that is what he was always meant to be. Jay Gordon has the Blues coursing through his veins and is a real “Stinger” with relentless fret work talent . The track “Hobo Hilton” is a mental movie that exposes the story of a Bluesman’s lament of being so close to the doorway of fame and fortune but yet it’s all so far away. It’s classic, dramatic and ascending blues that has the repetitive mantra of a Bluesman just short of popular acclaim and destined riches. Only from the mind of a certifiable Mad Scientist would come the rocking anthem “Chainsaw Boogie” and honest to goodness, undeniable and verifiable “Chainsaw” Guitar. The unrestrained song is a screaming Rock Party jump starter and the “Chainsaw” Guitar is a smoke belting, unmistakable, indisputable working chainsaw made into a guitar. Together they are a glimpse into the mind of a Bluesman gone wild. It’s eccentric entertainment meets untamed party animal. Every Bluesman of
note has written a Blues spiritual about living the life and surviving. The cut “Blues Venom” is a melodic tale of such an existence. Being born, dipped and addicted to the music and being existent in the blues is a blessing that is beyond compare in this magic mojo tune. It’s a thrilling Blues mixture with a taste of the Delta and the electric buzz of Maxwell Street in Chicago.
The dynamic album “Woodchoppers Ball” is unquestionably Jay Gordon’s Blues Venom’s finest work to date. These 12 Blues cuts are unsurpassed, raw Blues passion. This record is a shining example of Jay Gordon’s bottomless reserve of musicality and a testament to the decades of work as a forthright Blues guitarist. From his days working along side Blues giants Albert Collins and Phillip Walker till today, Jay Gordon and his outfit Blues Venom are indeed again delivering genuine, credible, freehearted Blues Music and are recognized as candid, veracious entertainers and blistering hot, fuel-injected representatives of the Blues World
Source: Jay Gordon and Blues Venom