Freddy Jones Band
Before signing to Phil Walden's legendary jam-rock label, Capricorn, Chicago's Freddy Jones Band--so dubbed though no one in the band is actuallynamedFreddy Jones--released this indie disc that introduced their likable blues-rock sound and roots-savvy ensemble work. Guitarist Wayne Healey's singing and Santana-esque lead guitar, as well as Rob Bonaccorsi's homey lap steel and slide accompaniment, bounce nicely against singer Marty Lloyd's gravely shades of Little Feat's Lowell George and Gregg Allman. With a palette of folky acoustic filigrees, echo-driven guitar lines, jazzy vamps, and sunny sing-alongs like "This Time Around" and "Peace by Piece," the Jones Band's debut is an accessible, middle-of-the-road rock record that nevertheless reaches great heights of focused musicality and honest American song craft.--James Rotondi