Jay Hooks ~ ~ Tequila & Bullets
The title of this CD, Tequila & Bullets, truly intrigued me when I first saw it. It immediately conjures up images of smoky bars in dangerous places where hard men drink and you know a fist fight will soon break out and you know one of them will pull a knife.
I’m not familiar with Jay Hooks, but reading the material that was provided along with an advance copy of this Joplin Street Music release really excited my senses. I watched a music video of Hooks and his band on YouTube and was immediately impressed by the raw power the group exuded.
Not being familiar with his earlier work proved to my advantage as I had no perceived baggage to this review. Each one of these songs stands on its own merit and what you will read below is my opinion during my first listen to the song.
I never thought that a song called Evinrude Boat Motor would make a driving blues number, but from the opening shriek of Hooks’ guitar, I was hooked. I barely listened to the lyrics as I was mesmerized by his amazing guitar work. He was backed by two band members on bass and drums (I will try to find out their names) who provided a very deep pocket for Hooks to shine with his electrifying guitar. I can’t wait to see what he builds on top of this!
They say that Tequila & Bullets are truth tellers. Tequila lowers your inhibitions, so you say what you really think, and a bullet shoots to what it’s aimed at. Hooks locks into this with a slower, more powerful song. While there are plenty of six string pyrotechnics, Hooks’ lyrics are piercing, and the song creates images of blues noir. This is an excellent title track.
Next up is A Woman Like You, another song that paints a dark picture. Hooks has obviously inhabited some of these dark places, and playing on the Gulf Coast, the area is dotted with dangerous bars. This song has a medium tempo, but when Hooks takes off on the break, watch out, he soars.
Lonesome is the first song of Hooks’ that I heard. He has a music video on YouTube and I was completely blown away by his guitar attack. I don’t make a lot of comparisons, but it’s hard to not compare him to Johnny Winter. Both have a self-assured style and attack the guitar like it owes them money. Check out the video and see if it grabs you the way it grabbed me.
The next song, Your Touch, is a heartfelt scream that Hooks delivers from deep in his soul. It’s said that blues is the truth (along with tequila and bullets) and this is one that reflects the pain that one man feels.
Left Me Cold is a good follow up to the previous song. It tells the story of a man who has reached the point in a relationship where he is just left cold by her touch. It’s an accessible song that is straight forward rock blues with plenty of great licks to satisfy anyone who loves the guitar.
The rhythm section drives the next number. Mind Full is a slower tempo song that packs a lot of power into its three-and-a-half minutes. “I got a mind full of trouble losing control/ got a mind full of trouble taking its toll.” If that’s not a modern blues song, I don’t know what is.
Coming up next is Mississippi Sheiks, a song that evokes long past eras. The actual Mississippi Shakes were a guitar and fiddle band in the 1930’s. Sometimes we have dreams that are more real than the things we face every day. This is a bit of surreal lyrics in a great song.
Okay, I’m not a fan of the title of the next song, Redneck Shit. But really, in a homage to those dark dangerous places along the Gulf Coast that Hooks had to play while he was making a name for himself. So, if you’re driving around and want to skip this one, go ahead, you’ve been warned. But, if you choose to listen to it, you’ll be treated to one kick ass song.
I Was Wrong is a straight forward blues rock number that has plenty for the guitar lovers. I’ve really been impressed by Hooks’ playing, but do not discount his vocals. Sure, they’re raw, but they are truthful and full of emotion. Could this be the album that breaks him out of the pack? I certainly hope so.
My Kinda Fine tells the story of a man who is infatuated with a woman and he doesn’t mind showing it. He channels his passion into his guitar and I doubt anyone would fail to be impressed by such a gesture.
The album closes with a slow burn titled Mexican Larry. It’s emotional and the lyrics are like poetry. He channels everything he’s got into his lead and it paints a pained picture of a man who is broken and is just trying to go on with his life.
Jay Hooks is the real deal. You can tell he’s lived many of these songs, and his honest interpretation of the events of his life fuel this great album. The release date for Tequila & Bullets is September 22nd, so be on the lookout for it. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a tour – I hope there is – but until you can catch him live, this is the next best thing
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