Collins’ latest is a fine example of aging gracefully, some songs revealing fire still in his belly. At 70 he’s made an album that’s often a reflective affair, about fallen soldiers, a life playing the blues, the joys of sultry women. Its blues music done with a sun-setting-on-the-coast vibe, a lot of strutting, strolling and smiling, and with a voice rich in character that has an easy going style.
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If we age gracefully as time goes by then local folk and blues artist Mojo Collins’ latest album “Joyful Ride” is a fine example of doing it, even as some songs reveal there’s still fire in his belly. At 70 Collins has a hefty catalog of original music to his credit along with opening for legendary acts like Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller, Muddy Waters and many more.
Produced locally at Big Notes Productions by Bradford Thompson, “Joyful Ride” is a fun but often reflective affair, an album of songs about fallen soldiers, a life playing the blues, even the joys of sultry women. Its blues done with a sun-setting-on-the-coast vibe – strutting, strolling and smiling and with a voice that’s rich in character and easy going soulfulness.
Upbeat or carefree, songs consistently have a lighthearted feel, specifically on a gem like “Blues Eyes Cry’n” done with smoky ambiance and is an album highlight. Collins’ guitar playing is colorful song to song, whether gritty slide on “Real Bonafide Mojo Boogie” or swirling guitar that’s steeped in the 70s like on “Shake Dem Blues.” And on a song like “Buddy Boy,” where fuzzed slide guitar could be loud or bombastic, Collins keep things tamped down, like keeping a mean dog tight by his side. On “Foolish Heart” the music is boiling just under the surface of his singing. Warm and distinct, his voice is raspy but soulful, even as it belies his age.
He’s a storyteller at heart (see “Half Fast Blues”) and has a lovely voice to match. That’s one aspect that makes “Joyful Ride” an album to easily cut across lines, rich enough to pull in fans of blues and roots music alike. Ultimately, its atmosphere and low key swagger that brings together those styles along with a coastal casual living mindset. Collins’ “Joyful Ride” isn’t complicated to the ear and its substance just may help uncomplicated the heart.
by Brian Tucker StarNewsOnline