Album: The Roots & The Fruits
Artist: Jake Calypso
Released Date: 07/2024
Record Label: Rock Paradise Records
Reviewed Date: 09/11//2024
Jake Calypso is a rockabilly & blues master from Northern France. He made his first record with the legendary ‘Mac Records’ in Belgium back in the 80’s and this release is his eighth studio record to date, it was recorded in part in the legendary Sun Studios, Memphis Tennessee.
The Roots & The Fruits is separated into two halves, side one (The Roots) is pure rhythm and blues and features Willie ‘too big’ Hall on drums known for legendary Stax recordings as well as the Blues Brothers. Side two (The Fruits) is rockabilly & rock and roll recorded in Midnight Studio, France & sees Thierry Sellier taking up the drum duties. The record is engineered by Matt Qualls & Hubert Letombe and the artwork is designed by Eric Martin.
The Only Thing To Do Is Play Boogie
The record opens with a powerful boogie groove reminiscent of John Lee Hooker or Little Walter. The vocals are overdriven and backed by a prominent harmonica riff, like the sound of a rocking juke joint. This one is not just a toe tapper, but a full on foot stomper.
My Screaming Baby
A classic blues shuffle in a 12-bar blues format. The solid groove of Willie Hall’s drums are on full display as are the more eccentric sides of Jake’s vocal delivery. The homage to Howlin’ Wolf’s legendary Smokestack Lightning vocal embellishments is an especially nice touch.
Take a Load Off (Put Your Feet Up)
This one is the most rock and roll track on this side. It still evokes more of a Mississippi hill country bluesman vibe than rockabilly club but, with the slapping double bass and quick tempo it certainly has some of the “turn-up jeans” about it.
Royal Crown Hairdressing
A full-on shuffle displayed in this song, it’s the first track to feature the guitar over the harmonica as the main harmony instrument. More smooth walking bass on the upright from Ben D. Driver and a tasteful yet understated guitar solo from Jake to boot.
Humble Boy
Humble Boy sees the harmonica swinging back into prominence with a groovy tune that wouldn’t be out of place on the Blues brothers soundtrack. It’s another 12-bar blues foot stomper and features some impressive harmonica solos. It’s the last track on this side (The Roots) and sees out a solid example of rhythm and blues played in its home and at its best.
A Rockin’ Rendez Vous
Straight into rockabilly territory for the first track on this side. The production sound has changed and now has a clearer, cleaner, crisper quality. The vocal shouts, upright bass, clean guitar tones, slapback echo, this song boasts all the rockabilly hallmarks and owns them.
Let’s Rock Tony Rock!
Keeping in the high mid-tempo arena, this song is another finger-clicking rock and roll with chorus licks that pay homage to Chuck Berry. Clocking in at just under 2:30 it’s a short number but does exactly as it says on the tin.
Tiptonville Boy
We’ve moved into country territory (literally as Tiptonville is a small town in Tennessee) with a sound that evokes latter era Brian Setzer. The guitarwork on this song is particularly impressive, some fast fingerpicked runs benefit for a classic stripped-back instrumentation.
Welcome to Cozy Dog
There's something about this song that sounds in some ways like the old jug bands from the American South but also like it wouldn't be out of place on a Meteors record. It’s got a hypnotic quality to it led by the relenting ride cymbal work of Tierry Sellier.
Dancing With The Cockroaches
An absolute belter to end the record on - Dancing with the Cockroaches is a guaranteed floor filler. With the stops in all the right places and a brilliant synergy between the bass and drums the rhythm section allows for some fantastic guitar work to flow over the top, the second solo is an especially good example of this.
In summary, both sides of this record are a great example of rhythm, blues, rock and roll and rockabilly. Side 1 captures some of the true essence of the legendary Sun Studios with all the groove, musicianship and tasty licks you’d want to hear and side 2 is an example of rockabilly played for the songs, no overly flashy or long instrumental sections to be seen, just a solid band of great musicians, playing great music.
Web: www.jakecalypso.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakecalypso.fr/
Reviewed By Ben Martin - Blues Guitar Show
Musicians
Jake Calypso : Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Willie Hall : Drums track 1 till 5
Thierry Sellier : Drums track 6 till 10
Pat Péray : Guitar, Harmonica
Ben D. Driver : Upright Bass & Bass Guitar
Track List
The Only Thing To Do Is Play Boogie
My Screaming Baby
Take a Load Off (Put Your Feet Up)
Royal Crown Hair Dressing
Humble Boy
A Rockin’ Rendez Vous
Let’s Rock Tony Rock!
Tiptonville Boy
Welcome to Cozy Dog
Dancin’ With Cockroaches
Bio From JakeCalypso.com:
AKE CALYPSO born in North of France in 1964 play Rock'n'Roll since the age of 13! In the 80s with ‘THE CORALS’ he made his 1st album on the legendary label Mac Records in Belgium .Later he released 2 albums with the band 'MYSTERY TRAIN' on Rockhouse Records (NL) and Eagle Records (D). An oldschool Rockabilly Band.When 'Mystery Train' ceased to exist in 1999, ‘HOT CHICKENS’, a new trio was born! And after 7 albums and a compilation, this band still exists & plays.It is only in 2009 that the name of JAKE CALYPSO appears! When he decided on the sidelines of Hot Chickens to record single with a real 50's sound !
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