Sass Jordan — “Bitches Blues” — Stony Plain Records
Sass Jordan is a Birminghan, England-born singer/songwriter transplanted to Montreal at an early age, with a penchant for soulful, rootsy music heavy with her trademark gritty vocals.
She’s been recording since 1986, and her first single, “Tell Somebody,” from her 1988 debut album of the same name won the Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist in 1989. An indication of her style and substance can be found in her lead role of Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway hit “Love, Janis” in 2001.
“Bitches Blues” is Jordan’s tenth album, a follow to her first pure blues outing, “Rebel Moon Blues,’ in 2020. It also continues the raw vocal earthiness that marked “Rebel.”
The latest album features three originals and five classic covers, ranging from the hard-driving opener, “Still Alive and Well” (Rick Derringer), to the powerful rocking optimism of her original closer, “Change Is Coming.” That’s a mere 27 minutes, but it’s packed with great music highlighted by Jordan’s raspy-tough vocals, surrounded by a terrifically tight backing band, the Champagne Hookers.
Between those two songs is a fine collection: An adventurous reworking of the blues chestnut “Chevrolet” with tough half-whispered vocals and piercing harp work; the original “Even,” a re-imagined version of the song from her 2008 album, “You Get What You Give,” this time with just some stunningly fine barroom piano backing; “Still The World Goes Round,” another original, with a hint of country, highlighted by some enthusiastic group singing; a spare and hypnotic cover of Mississippi Fred McDowell’s classic “You Gotta Move”; the guitar-driven, barroom ambience of Little Feat’s “Sailin’ Shoes,” and a thoroughly rousing version of Little Milton’s “Ain’t No Big Deal On You.”
The backing band here deserves special mention for its vivid support, whether it’s stinging guitar, passionate harp, or sparkling keyboards. The music perfectly complements Jordan’s ferocious style and the smart song selection. The band is: Guitarists Chris Caddell and Jimmy Reid, drummer Cass Pereira, keyboardist Jesse O’Brien and Steve Marriner on bass and harmonica.
Sass Jordan’s “Bitches Blues” is definitely music worth hearing. Her vocals are sharp and tough, the band a razor-sharp unit, all well-suited to her chosen material.
“Still Alive and Well” from the album
Track Listing:
1. Still Alive and Well 3:37
2. Chevrolet 2:29
3. Even 3:55
4. Still The World Goes Round 4:01
5. You Gotta Move 2:32
6. Sailin Shoes 3:52
7. Ain’t No Big Deal On You 3:30
8. Change Is Coming 3:16
Blues Roadhouse 