Jubu Smith – Jubu
On the first listen, I came away with a soul-blues guitarist who lent a sizzling jazz guitar thread down his ax’s neck. This is evident in the opener “Hamster Wheel.” Why do I say this? Well, this isn’t the Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker & Robert Johnson blues guitar of the dusty days.
This music co-ops a little funk that comes in liberal doses has clarity & the added expertise shapes the melodies nicely. So, I hear more of Robben Ford, Chet Atkins, an ounce of Roy Buchanan & a pinch of Joe Pass. The accumulation of my rant adds to Jubu Smith (guitar) demonstrating satisfyingly persuasive numbers with originality being persistent. But not added to spice things up – but to justify.
This 10-cut self-titled CD Jubu (Drops July 30/Little Village/61:18) was produced by Grammy-nominated Charlie Hunter (hybrid guitar) & recorded in North Carolina. These are instrumentals, but the guitar “sings” with its notes, beats & gentle arrangements. No fireworks, no sparklers but lots of finesse, sophistication & tasteful tonality hues.
While Jubu’s list of credits is indeed impressive listening to his guitar as laid out here specifically, I don’t hear some of those artists modifying his ability as clearly as the late Natalie Cole, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, or Steely Dan benefitting from his prowess. I’m not saying those artists he worked with aren’t worthy it’s just that their music doesn’t always totally exemplify the music Mr. Smith is capable of.
Nonetheless, Jubu has depth & is expressive as he puts forth on “Carroll Drive” a significant groove-coasting work. Many tracks are over 5 minutes, but he manages to keep everything fortified & interesting. There are no lulls in the showcase.
Jubu has his fiery moments — all tempered as soundscapes & not mere “look at me,” runs. It’s not a high-speed roller coaster with screams — it’s more a Great Adventure-like flume – lots of water, acceleration, splashes & mist.
I’d add that Jubu punctuates his guitar notes much the same as Miles Davis would add his trumpet vibrancy & pulsating notes through charged blends that make the music more fascinating than just absolute slices of musical entertainment, a difference between having skill versus being innovative. “Organization’s Sake” is a fine example.
The CD is a 6-panel with color photography. Guitar aficionados will appreciate the guitar perspective Jubu & his fellow musicians devote to this project.
Highlights – “Hamster Wheel,” “Jubu’s Poem,” “Carroll Drive,” “Organization’s Sake,” “EG Is Here” & “McLeansville Blues.”
Musicians – Calvin Napper (drums) & Eric Gales (guitar/“EG Is Here”).
B&W image courtesy of Jubu’s website. Cover image courtesy of Cawanda Green. CD @ http://www.jubusmith.com/home.html & https://littlevillagefoundation.com/jubu-smith/
