Album Review: Cody Jasper's Selfy Rocks

My friends at McGuckin Entertainment PR have a habit of sending me music that is completely suited to my musical tastes - which range from rock, blues, bluegrass, gospel,  and alt-country. Cody Jasper's soon to be released self titled album is a rock'n amalgam of these and starts with perhaps my favorite song of the year - Black Cadillac. The song starts as a gospel chant reminiscent of the chain gang music in O Brother, Where Art Thou? and then slowly adds in some bluesy guitar and keyboards punctuated by Jaspar's deep soulful vocals. His bio states that he loves Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke and this songs seems to roll all into one.

The next two tracks, Cherry Pie and Evil Woman segue completely to classic rock n roll with smokn' slide guitar in the former and am Aerosmith infused rhythm in the later. Jasper's bio also stresses his fondness for Waylon and Shooter Jennings and their influences seem to show with the ballads Holy Water and Mona Lisa. Rosemary might be my second favorite track - wish I was more technical - would like to know the time of the beat. But love the pattern.

This is the type of album I wish more artist's were making - seems like we are losing rock to a more psychedelic sound and Jasper returns it to its more classic roots of blues, soul, and original country. The album's official release is February 18th so start planning to attend one of the CD release shows if in Texas or pre-order online. Pair with Taos Mesa Brewing in El Prado New Mexico where Jaspar will be performing March 6th. Cheers