Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival – Live From The Northern Plains
J&R Collective – 2024
www.jlynandthegrooverevival.com
10 tracks; 42 minutes
Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival have previously released two EPs in 2022 and 2023 and now follow those up with a live album, recorded on home turf in Bismark, North Dakota. The band is Jennifer on lead vocals and guitar, Richard Torrance on guitar/BV’s, Barb Jiskra on keys, Nolyn Falcon on bass and Jim Anderson on drums/BV’s Jennifer and Richard reprise five of their original songs from their EPs, one with assistance from Jim, and there are five covers.
“Gypsy Soul” was the title of the band’s second EP and makes a catchy opener here with rocking piano and strong guitar interchanges: “My one true love is rock and roll, Lord, please help me, I’ve got a gipsy soul”. A thick guitar riff is at the heart of “I Hope We Make A Change” which has a strong chorus on which Richard and Jim’s backing vocals stand out while rolling piano underpins “Going Round In Circles”, the closest to a straight blues here. The band rock out on “Low Down Dirty Shame”, the twin guitars featuring before the band closes with a gentler song in “You Can Take It All”, well sung and played with hints of country in the guitars.
With a twin guitar line-up it is no surprise to find the Allmans are an influence and the band covers two of the best known ABB titles here. Both work well and, although it is always difficult to match the quality of Duane and Dickey, “Midnight Rider” certainly has its moments with a spiralling solo towards the end of the tune. Nolyn’s rumbling bass opens “Whipping Post”, Jennifer’s vocals suit the tune well and the two guitarists play off each other really well too. CCR’s “Long As I Can See The Light” has always had a gospel feel to it and that aspect comes out strongly in this version of the John Fogerty anthem while “House Of The Rising Sun” follows the Animals’ version quite closely, no doubt reflecting the fact that the band also perform a British Invasion tribute show; the addition of a fiery slide solo elevates the cover. Ever since Bonnie Raitt covered Chris Smithers’ “Love Me Like A Man” the song has become almost obligatory for female singers; Jennifer delivers a strong vocal and the piano solo is excellent.
As always, a live album provides a fine memory for those who were there but the excellent sound quality and performance make this one attractive to a much wider audience.
