Sass Jordan – Bitches Blues
8 tracks/27 minutes
Sass Jordan delivers a powerful and gritty set of performances on her new record, Bitches Blues. Two original tunes and some fine covers make for a great new album. Born in the UK and raised in Canada, Jordan has had a great career in musical performance, theater and even makes her own wine.
Jordan is joined by the Champagne Hookers: Chris Caddell and Jimmy Reid on guitar, Cass Pereira on drums, Jesse O’Brien on keys and Steve Marriner on bass and harp. They are a fine ensemble led by an exceptional vocalist.
Rick Derringer’s “Still Alive and Well” gets a slick treatment with organ, guitar and Jordan’s gritty vocals. She rocks out to get things started. “Chevrolet” follows, a Taj Mahal tune he co-wrote with Lonnie and Ed Young. Sass gives it a good cover and the harp work adds to the cut nicely. The piano plays a predominant role next in “Even.” She grinds out this slow blues in an evocative manner. “Still The World Goes Round” follows, a bouncing and driving cut with a bit of a country flair; great vocals and some nice slide work are featured here.
Mississippi Fred McDowell’s “You Gotta Move” was covered by many a rocker in my youth, but Jordan stays truer to the roots of this with resonator and a thumping drum behind here. Well done! Little Feat’s “Sailing Shoes” is next. Jordan pays homage to this great song and band with a fine rendition. Little Milton’s “Ain’t No Big Deal On You” has been covered by many greats, and Sass gives it her all. A big guitar solo and some good backing work by the band along with Jordan’s emotive touches make this another good cut. She concludes with “Change Is Coming,” with a sitar-like introduction and some ethereal guitar work. An original cut, Jordan and company do an outstanding job here. The harp also adds a nice layer to this.
I enjoyed the album. Each listen gave me a better appreciation of this record. I have only one complaint- it’s only 27 minutes of music; it left me wanting more! Jordan and her band did a fantastic job with these eight cuts. She’s got the shops and knows how to deliver some fine music. Well done to her with her outstanding release. If you like rootsy, rocking blues, then look no further; this one’s a winner!
