Blues Underground Network (Joe Lewis Band "Good News Blues")

The Joe Lewis Band is a 3 piece band hailing out of Missouri that really do have some Good News Blues for everyone. You see, beyond the fact that this trio is a really good rockin' blues band, they are also a really good Rockin' Christian/Gospel Blues Band.

"Good News Blues" consists of 12 Tracks, all Originals and all written by Joe Lewis, whom is also the singer and guitarist for the band. Joe Lewis also produced all the songs on this exceptional Indie release, along with the other 2 band members, Ken Head (Bass) and Mike Rose (Drums). The songs, as one might expect, are very religious in nature, with the word Jesus being used quite a bit, but not in a overly preachy way, but in more of a celebratory fashion. I really found it quite amazing how they were able to meld great blues music and great religious lyrics together to make for an extremely enjoyable listen. In essence the songs are not in the vain of "Whoa Is Me", they are happy, vigorous, playful, and joyous in nature, without over taking the musical uniqueness of the blues.

The Joe Lewis Band is continuing to make quite a name for itself, especially in the Religous circles, having already played for a number of Christian Oriented Festivals and Celebrations, such as, the United We Sing Fest, Mid Missouri Biker Blessing, and the Blue Note, all throughout Missouri. They are also in the mist of putting together their second Album, "Joy In The Storm", slated to be released soon, via the TMG Label.

To be honest, I must say, I was not knowing what to expect when I put "Good News Blues" in the CD Player, but it turned out to be one of the better pieces of music I have listened to this year. It came across lean and mean without an unneccessary overdubbed feeling. It also can across, not only with the message of celebration but, also the message of good blues.

All in all, "Good News Blues" is a fine piece of work, especially for a Debut Album, and one that left me feeling a little happier for having given it a try. Joe, Mike, and Ken really believe strongly in what they are doing and that strength comes thru, in supreme fashion on, "Good News Blues".

"Good News Blues" is an Album I really feel good about recommending. Being Christian/Gospel Blues, I know it may not be for everyone, but I urge you all to maybe give it a try, you may be really suprised.

Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Other Info And Reviews

Joe Lewis Band is a great Christian blues band that plays with all the conviction you expect to hear from the greats of our time and even before. Joe Lewis raised in the south from Picayune Ms, has that blues tone and feel to take you to a place where magnolias perfume the air and little church houses on a hill can be experienced. If you're lookin for "GOOD NEWS BLUES" that lifts up the name of Jesus and has you feeling good song after song then you've found the right band.

Following Review Via The Sunday Night Blues Project... http://sundaynightbluesproject.blogspot.com/

I've been enjoying this disc for wayyyyyy too long--I should have written about it months ago, but every time I put it on I forget to write about it! The Joe Lewis Band is a three piece blues band based in central Missouri. They play the instruments and use the structures and flavors of the classic blues songs, but the lyrics are all pure gospel. You really have to hear them to see how well they make this work. The band is Joe, who sings and writes and plays guitar, and Ken, who plays bass, and John, who provides the solid back beat on drums. These guys are a very fine band! It's the sort of music you wish got played in church, and the lyrics are all pretty theologically sound. No, they don't play your father's gospel music. This is current and fun and energetic music.

The Joe Lewis Band has played at the United We Sing Fest in Jefferson City MO, the Mid Missouri Biker Blessing in Centralia MO, and at the Blue Note in Columbia MO, and each time they have made a righteous impression, tearing down the house with their great playing and testifying. This is my all-time favorite cd to listen to with headphones on while I'm writing a sermon in the middle of the night and the rest of the family is all asleep. I have shared some of these songs in church, in bible study with senior adults, in ministry with teenagers and college students, one on one with other blues lovers--and I always have received a very positive response. My favorite song here is "If Not For Mercy," which starts out pure Chicago blues and then Joe and his guitar and the band take things straight to church. It's wonderful.

This is an indy release, but you can buy it by contacting the band at http://www.joelewisband.com/

Tell them Bruce sent you.

Tracklist

1. Mud Wallowin' 3:05
2. Step By Step 3:30
3. If Not for Mercy 4:59
4. Good News Boogie 1:52
5. Testify 2:09
6. Train Bound for Glory 2:39
7. Made to Love Him 4:41
8. Name of Jesus 3:13
9. New Again 3:24
10. New Robe 3:55
11. So in Love With You 2:20
12. Lift His Name 2:06

Listen To Samples Here...

About Joe Lewis Band

Joe is originally from Picayune, MS and has been steeped in the Delta blues. He has been singing and playing his original compositions and touring for 25 years. Ken traded a trombone for his first bass in '73 playing with various original & cover bands. Solid percussion is provided John Walker, John, Joe and Ken are well known in Christian and Blues scenes.

http://www.joelewisband.com/

http://www.myspace.com/joelewisband