Southland Blues: October  2005

RENO JONES - "Shrunken Heads"
Self-produced

Reno Jones is a contemporary blues band with moxie. Lead singers Doug Chapline and Jerri-Sue Dawson thrill their audience every time out with original stories about the things that affect our lives every day. Including a powerful horn section, organ, piano, bass and drums, the band fills the room with a variety of textures that all point toward interpreting the blues sincerely. Formed in '97, Reno Jones offers the kind of cohesive performance that can only come from folks like this, who've worked together on the blues scene around town and who've opened for touring artists at larger venues. Audio samples may be found at www.renojones.com. Several guests give the band an added flavor this time out. Jeff Masters adds a soulful blues harp on "Jezebelle" alongside Chapline's tribute to the Mississippi Delta pioneers who gave us the blues long ago. Rick Vito joins the band on slide guitar for "Temptress," a poweful anthem that Dawson drives home with authority. Martie Echito adds additional keyboard thrills to "I Plead Guilty," which Dawson turns around with high energy and an in-your-face attitude. She and Chapline offer convincing vocals that carry you away every time up.

The rhythm team and searing horns of Reno Jones combine with the soulful vocals to create a highly recommended album.
JIm Santella