J. Isaiah Evans & The Boss Tweed
Americana Radio
Keystone Artist Connect
Americana rock outfit J. Isaiah Evans & The Boss Tweed releases their new album, Americana Radio, produced and engineered by Scott McEwen in Memphis at Magnetic Recording.
Evans, the founder and frontman of roots rock outfit The 40-Acre Mule, joined forces with Hammond organist Matthew Vasquez and drummer Spud Crowley to form The Boss Tweed while The 40-Acre Mule was on break.
With an organ-driven trio, a lineup more common in jazz circles, The Boss Tweed breaks new stylistic ground, creating what Evans describes as “Garageicana Rock-N-Roll.”
Evans explains, “Unless our audience is going to 1960s jazz-soul shows, they might not have seen something like this, so we’re throwing them a curveball. We’re grateful for that. Not being part of the traditional rock & roll band formula has set us apart. It gives us the freedom to do something unique. It forces us to explore.”
Opening song “Let’s Rock” sets the stage with its tasty blend of garage rock, soul, and boogie-woogie. Highlighted by the bray of the organ, a snapping, punchy beat, and Evans’ bristly vocals, the tune pulsates with groove.
High points on the album include “Up to No Good,” which travels on thick, growling guitars riding a bouncing rhythm. The juxtaposition of revved-up guitars and sneering organ infuses the harmonics with oozing dynamics.
A personal favorite because of its swagger, the title track hums with galvanizing energy. Think Bruce Springsteen channeling The Chambers Brothers and you’ll get the idea — beaucoup oomph, plenty of swing, and a thrumming melody that makes you want to dance.
Marinated in sleazy blues surfaces, “Pullman Porter Blues” sees Evans using his slick, rasping voice like a grinder, pushing out smoldering, unctuous tones. The edgy glow of the organ slices through the atmosphere, giving the melody a serrated frisson.
Vaguely reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused” because of its ebbing and rising motion, “A Thing For You” roils and boils on Vasquez’s organ, providing the grimy, bluesy, thrilling sensation of perfume and sweating desire.
“Stand Up” conjures up suggestions of Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels — a straight-ahead, contagious beat, snarling vocals, and hints of retro funk — whereas “Ruby Anne,” another boogie-woogie burner of a song, delivers low-slung sizzle that alternates between glossy and dirty.
Americana Radio sees J. Isaiah Evans & The Boss Tweed cooking with gas, forging a luscious sound harking back to the ‘60s.
