Citizen Jones – Downtown Ways
self release
12 songs time – 56:03
These days guitar-harmonica duos are in short supply, so to encounter Citizen Jones is a refreshing throw-back to front porch blues. Make no mistake this is no museum piece cheap imitation, but rather a continuation of the tradition. The Ann Arbor, Michigan duo have been together going on thirty years. The only contemporaries of this outfit that come to mind are Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan and Eric Noden & Joe Filisko, now that John Cephas & Phil Wiggins have passed away. Daniel Jones is the guitarist-vocalist along with Tim Douthit on harmonica. Daniel wrote the eight original songs and they perform four cover tunes. Daniel’s husky vocals and guitar accompaniment intertwine hand-in-glove with Tim’s wandering harmonica lines.
Two familiar blues references, waking up in the morning and a rooster, are used in “Early In The Morning” without sounding like copycats. “Downtown Hood Liquor Store” is a jaunty little ditty in tune and lyrics. Daniel’s growling vocal suits “Four In The Morning” and the harmonica has a nice oft-handed feel to it. Willie Dixon’s perennial “Spoonful” is the recipient of an energetic rendition with guitar and harp playing the familiar riff and more. Tim’s harmonica catches fire on “Henhouse”. At the songs end the rooster steps into a pot of chicken soup…Please don’t invite me for dinner.
The title song “Downtown Ways” slows the pace a bit. A similar pace but a sullen mood is attained in “Sunshine No More”. The Band’s “The Weight” isn’t a blues, but Daniel’s voice fits, and you really don’t miss the vocal harmonies. Hank Williams would be proud of their treatment of his “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. The mournful vocalization laid against the complimenting sorrowful harmonica complete the scene. “Rainy Day” and “The Last Time” wrap things up in slow fashion. Both songs are somber in mood.
It is comforting that there are still some acoustic duos left that reference blues past while staying relevant to today. A relaxing and entertaining time is guaranteed for all!
