CD Reviews

Two Great Reissues From Criminal Records Northwest

So glad that Criminal Records Northwest is continuing to re-release selections from their archives. They had so many fantastic albums during their original tenure and these two latest reissues are amongst their best.

J.C. Rico had a voice that just oozed soulful blues. His album First Offense clearly showcased that. Raised in Mississippi and spending time in Chicago prior to moving to Oregon gave him the exposure on just how this music should sound right. Opening with the funky backbeat behind his deep, serious voice on “Sign Of The Times” tells you right away that Rico meant business, which also offers a killer bluesy guitar solo. That is followed up by “Old Catfish Song” where he tells a nice story about a catfish who wishes he could travel on the train he hears go by every day. Other outstanding tracks include a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me,” the deeply soulful “Never Gonna Change,” punchy horns on “Long Time Gone” and the slow blues piece “I Know Her Too.” At the time of this release J.C. Rico was commanding stages in the area with his band Armed & Dangerous. First Offense featured guest guitarists Lloyd Jones and Jim Mesi into the mix and the disc was a nominee for the Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Awards for Album of the Year. Unfortunately, J.C. Rico passed away this last year, so having First Offense available again will bring back fond memories of such an outstanding vocalist and entertainer.

Also Reissued by Criminal Records Northwest is the compilation disc of the label’s founder Paul Jones playing drums behind a virtual who’s who of the local scene at the time and many of the label’s premier artists. It opens very strongly with a jumping rockabilly “Baby Let’s Play House” performed by guitarist Steve Bradley. There are so many variations of styles profiled on the disc that it creates such a great dimension that shows the diversity of each vocalist. Curtis Salgado’s reading of “My Soul’s Got A Hole In It” is so smooth it’ll send chills down your back. Jon Koonce takes a somewhat reggae approach on “Island, Island,” while Norman Sylvester gives his traditional funky knowledge on “Criminal Groove,” D.K. Stewart takes us to the bayou on his cover of “Congo Square,” and Joe Dobroe’s stellar guitar playing and deep gravelly voice make “Sitting On Top Of The World” a fun-paced quirky offering. The album closes with the soul-stirring vocals of J.C. Rico on “Walk On Water,” so well done it may bring tears to your eyes. Other fantastic numbers are presented by Lloyd Jones, Mark Dufresne and Lily Wilde. Not a bad track on the disc. Worthy of checking out again to relive those good times.

First Offense

J.C. Rico

Total Time: 52:03

Sign Of The Times / Old Catfish Song / Outside Lookin’ Back In / Never Gonna Change / Long Time Gone / Blues Feels Good / Cry To Me / Who Ya Gonna Tell / I Know Her Too / Drive By Blues / Amazing Grace

All My Friends Can Sing

Paul Jones & Friends

Total Time: 53:34

Baby Let’s Play House / Criminal Groove / Island, Island / Tracks Of Love / Sittin’ On Top Of The World / My Soul’s Got A Hole In It / Nutbush / Come Back / Everybody Knows (The River Song) / Congo Square / Cold Duck Time / Keep Cool / Walk On Water

Reviewed by Greg Johnson