Janiva Magness: Bury Him At The Crossroads (2004)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: September 9, 2004

Janiva Magness: Bury Him At The Crossroads

The voice gets you right between the eyes. As her powerful interpretation of the blues sweeps you off your feet, Janiva Magness captures your heart and soul as well. She belts 'em out with convincing authority.

Her band provides a little bit country, a little bit traditional Delta blues, deeply passionate moments, and a little bit of modern chemistry. The singer clears the air with her riveting voice and forceful emphasis.

With languorous, back porch, sit-a-spell ditties as well as up-front, dramatic affairs of the heart, Magness puts you right there, in the middle of every blues singer's foray. You can feel her gripping hold on you throughout the session.

She's included a little tongue-in-cheek humor on the album, too. "Wasn't That Enough" ends up abruptly in the middle of a beautiful acoustic guitar refrain. "Less and Less Of You" shuffles off playfully to the caring pleas of a woman who worries about her man. "Eat the Lunch You Brought" reminds us of the blue collar and no collar roots that we've known since the blues was born.

Highly recommended, Bury Him At The Crossroads takes the listener on an adventure through blues history. Audio clips from one of her previous albums are available at JanivaMagness.com .

Track Listing: A Woman Knows; The Whale Has Swallowed Me; Everything Gonna Be Alright; Lost and Lookin'; Wasn't That Enough; The Soul of a Man; That's No Way To Get Along; Bury Him at the Crossroads; One More Heartache; I'm Leaving You; Less and Less Of You; Ain't Lost Nothin'; Eat the Lunch You Brought.

Personnel: Janiva Magness- vocals; Colin Linden- guitar; Jeff Turmes- bass, rhythm guitar, baritone saxophone, banjo; Richard Bell- piano, organ; Stephen Hodges- drums, percussion.

Record Label: NorthernBlues Music
Style: Blues