Jackie Johnson – Memphis Jewel – 1.13.12

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Jackie Johnson

Memphis Jewel

Catfood Records

BluesWax Rating: 8

Real R&B 

On first play, I did a lot of volume knob twisting on this gem of a recording. Real R&B (like I remember from my youth, not like today’s so called R&B artists .. Cee Lo Green and T Pain or whatever!) and soul from an outstanding vocalist steeped in tradition via a gospel upbringing, plus influences like Rufus & Carla Thomas, the Staple Singers, Barbara Carr, and Shirley Brown.

The sheer production values delivered by legendary producer Jim Gaines blew my mind along with the remarkable material choices for this outstanding vocalist. The opening cut, “It Should Have Been Me,” originally recorded by Gladys Knight, Betty Wright’s “Clean Up Woman,” and Smokey Robinson’s “Tears Of A Clown” are standout covers. “Nothing Lasts Forever,” penned by Bob Trenchart (also owner of Catfood Records and member of The Rays, who back up Jackie), gives her a chance to show off another strong vocal stance via a funky tune, including great horn and background vocals (Reba Russell) … cool as Hell frozen over. And on the powerful ballad “Rain,” she displays yet another vocal style complete with gospel chorus. Label-mate Johnny Rawls does a classic duet with Jackie on “Love You Still.”

Her peers know Jackie Johnson as an outstanding background and lead vocalist and have requested her services on their projects world wide, even Huey Lewis on his last tour for the album Soulsville, A Salute to Memphis.

Catfood Records is on the threshold of being the next Stax Records! Uh, Motown? Hmmmmm ….

Jackie Johnson is nominated for Female Soul Artist of the Year by the BMA. Find out why!

Beardo is a contributing editor at BluesWax.