The Jordan Patterson Band – The Back on Track Recording Project
Flaming Cheese Records
10 tracks
The years was 1996, about 20 years ago. The Canadian blues vocalist and harp player Jordan Patterson released his debut album, Give Me a Chance. Three years later he was staring out a hotel window in Ireland and decided to hang it up and become a concert promoter back in Ontario. He worked with the likes of Jack White. Coldplay, Diana Krall, The Black Crows, Lauren Hill and others.
A friend who told him, “Y’know Jordan, one of these days you’re going to have to prove that your first album wasn’t just a fluke.” In 2014 he began to play again and released an EP version of this CD and then released this 10 song version on February 19th of this year.
Benjamin Rollo is on drums, Mark McIntyre is on bass, and Darryl Romphf is on guitar along with Bobby Thompson. Produced by Romphf, this album does show that Patterson has the chops. It is a darn good rock album with a lot of blues thrown in with the rock.
“Favourite Boy” opens the album. It’s a rocker with a bouncing approach to the tune. Patterson’s vocals are solid here and throughout. He adds some dirty harp that gives it a little blues influence. “Can We Fall In Love Again” is a slow rock ballad with lamentful guitar and some organ by Scott Galloway (who is on a half dozen tracks) helping with the mood. “She’s Cool” has Patterson blowing some mean blues harp. It’s a fun and romping blues rocker! “You’re My Girl” is a more pensive piece that builds into a more forceful cut. Skyler Jordan adds some impassioned vocals; she was also on the first cut be here she really lays it out. “Living Without Your Love” is another rocking song with big guitar and organ keeping pace.
“Play My Song– Revisited” is a cool blues cut showcasing Patterson’s harp again along with his vocals. Shawn Kellerman also appears on guitar here (along with the last two cuts). Slow, greasy blues emerge on “If you’d Help Me Please– Revisited” and Patterson shows a new side to us. All fuzzed up and dirty with mean harp. The bluesiest cut by far!
“Do You Believe” is more of a country rocker or southern rocker. The guitar and melody feel like Nashville. “Heartbreaker– Revisited” is rocking and a bit bluesy with Patterson’s clean vocals carrying things amidst the big guitar attack. “Don’t Take Me Down– Revisited” has Patterson with his harp blowing and bending some nice stuff. Lots more guitar, too, but the harp break things up and out nicely.
This is a rock influenced album with some blues in it. Patterson is a great singer with a slick and expressive voice and is a great harp player. The songs are really good and sound fresh. If you like hard rock influenced rock blues then try this one: you’ll like it!
