Sass Jordan has built an illustrious career for herself. Her debut album Tell Somebody garnered her a Juno award for Most Promising Female Vocalist. The voters certainly weren’t wrong about that. Since then, she has been nominated for three other Juno awards. As if that weren’t enough, she fittingly starred as Janis Joplin in the off-Broadway play Love Janis. She toured the world with A Bowie Celebration and was a judge for all six seasons of Canadian Idol. On top of all of that, she has also branded her own line of wines Kick Ass Sass Wine.
Sass Jordan has always been a rocker. She has always been capable of laying down a guitar riff that can get you pumping your fist. And she sings over those riffs in a raspy voice that brings artists like Melissa Etheridge to mind. At some point, she started bringing more blues sounds to her rock and roll sound, to the point that she has completely embraced the blues. Her new album is Bitches Blues. While the album still features some rocking riffs, it is an exploration and celebration of a variety of blues sounds.
“Even” is a very different song for Jordan. While most of her songs are driven by the guitar, this one is just bass, steady rolling piano, and vocals. The song has an old-time feel, and if anything her vocals seem even more powerful when backed by such minimal instrumentation. At the end of the song, you hear her shout “Yeehaw!” Then she laughs and says, “That was fun.”
“Still the World Goes ‘Round” is a real foot-stomper right from the beginning. The beat propels the uptempo song and makes it hard to remain still. The tune also features some wicked slide guitar that is sure to grab your attention. While the song is definitely one you can boogie to, it also has a message of protest. In it, she sings, “People gotta stand up. People gotta shout. People, take your power back cuz that’s your ticket out.”
“Still the World Goes ‘Round” is one of two originals on the album. The other six songs are covers. One of those is the classic “Chevrolet.” Her version opens with a beat that sounds somewhat tribal. The slide guitar is closer to the Derek Trucks Band version of the song. There is also a healthy dose of harmonica that is a nice compliment to the slide guitar.
“You Gotta Move” is another blues classic that she leaves her mark on. This one also goes heavy on the slide guitar while the beat and the vocals lend a sort of haunted sound like you hear in a lot of early blues songs.
This album only has eight songs. It definitely leaves you wanting more while at the same makes you appreciate what a vocal powerhouse Jordan is. Whether she is belting out a song that makes you boogie or singing a low blues moan, she makes you feel what she’s singing. Bitches Blues (Stony Plain Records) will be available everywhere on June 3. Order your copy here.