Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne
Jumpin’ and Boppin’
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with music. I grew up listening to pretty much every genre of music you can think of, but my father has always had a deep love for the blues. When I was given the opportunity to discover a blues musician I hadn’t heard of before, I jumped at the chance.
Jumpin’ and Boppin’ is the tenth album from Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne and the third released on Canadian record label, Stony Plain Records. The record opens with two-minute instrumental track, “Blues Boss Shuffle,” featuring a stellar brass section and killer keys. This track is the perfect way to introduce the listener to what’s to come throughout the rest of the album and your ears will be delighted.
Produced by Wayne himself, it also features some prominent musicians in award-winning guitarist and label mate, Duke Robillard, and B.B. King’s long-time bassist, Russell Jackson. The record does well at blending influences of blues, boogie-woogie, jazz, and soul music into a record that’ll get you dancing in no time.
“Bankrupted Blues” is your typical blues track with Wayne singing about how life can be difficult with financial woes: “..Years went by/I was watching the news/Everybody ‘round me was having the blues/Losin’ their jobs and their family cars/People losin’ money at the neighborhood bar/They were bankrupt, baby/Yeah, bankrupt, baby.”
Wayne blends elements of boogie-woogie and swing music with the track “Jumpin’ and Boppin With Joy” featuring his talents on the keys and a fabulous brass section, as well as on “Look Out! There’s a Train Coming.”
“Blues Stew” is definitely one of the highlights of the record; between its brass section, the keys, and the overall catchiness of the song, it’s bound to get the listener “jumpin’ and boppin’”. Wayne sings about his special menu item: “I’m fixing up some blues stew/For the party tonight/It’s a feature on the menu/And it’s got to be right/I got to mix it up right/To get the taste that I like/Throw in a little Tanqueray gin/Gives it that special spice..”
Wayne slows things down a little with a cover of Ray Charles’ “You Don’t Know Me” and it is an absolute gem. His rendition highlights his soulful voice and his talent on the keys.
Jumpin’ and Boppin’ is a fantastic collection of songs that really showcases Wayne’s talent as a musician in the blues genre. This is a true blues artist that deserves more recognition, not just in the blues community, but in the music industry as a whole.
Rating: Iconic
