Once dubbed "Wonderboy" by blues legend Taj Mahal, Jontavious Willis lives up to the hype on West Georgia Blues.
That was 2015, when Mahal invited the then 19-year-old to perform onstage with him. Willis would release his debut Blue Metamorphosis in 2016, followed by the Grammy-nominated Spectacular Class in 2019.
On his third album West Georgia Blues, Willis showcases an authentic blues sound at home in numerous different subgenres. It begins with the acapella title track, an ode to his home of La Grange, Georgia. With handclaps and backing vocals from Lloyd Buchanan, he tells of his family living in the region since 1823 stating, "We singing these blues just to carry tradition on."
The album moves into '60s R&B with the instantly catchy "Keep Your Worries On The Dance Floor," which recalls Magic Sam's "That's All I Need" in its blues approach to soul music. It's a reminder that despite the blues' reputation as the down-on-your-luck genre, at its core it's about overcoming adversity and dancing. It's the first song on the album where Willis shows he's just as adept at full-band electric blues as he is with the solo acoustic sounds.
"Rough Time Blues" is classic Delta blues: the singer alone with his guitar describing economic hardships and high grocery prices. Like all of the songs on the album, it's a Willis original, but could easily pass for an early 20th century tune without the modern references. He nods to the blues' current relevancy with the line, "It's the '20s again, almost time for a brand new deal."
Willis' background in music is gospel, growing up singing with his grandfather at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. He brings the genre's themes of growth and uplifting others to the lyrics of "A Lift Is All I Need," paired beautifully with a jazzy ragtime instrumental.
Near the end of the album, the guitarist shows he can lay down blistering blues guitar with the best of them on the strutting full band number "Lost Ball." Pianist Ethan Leinwand hammers away at the keys while drummer Jayy Hopp's syncopated rhythm gives the track a lurching forward momentum.
West Georgia Blues is an incredible modern blues album that is authentic to the many different styles it includes, but it is never stuck in the past. The future of the blues is in good hands with Jontavious Willis.
Must listens
- "West Georgia Blues"
- "Keep Your Worries On the Dance Floor"
- "Rough Time Blues"
- "Lula Mae"
- "Who's Gonna Hear It?"
- "A Lift Is All I Need"
- "Squirrlin' Mama"
- "Lost Ball"
- "Jontavious' West Georgia Grind"
