J. LEE and the HOODOO SKULLS – BEGGARS SOUL
The audacious J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls are set to release their second full length, Beggars Soul, on June 25th on all platforms. Their first album, Black Moon (2019), is full of lofty blues/rock songs that are both dynamic and brassy. The record delivered quite a few immensely powerful tunes such as “2 Bit Lover” and “Electric Blue”. Black Moon set the bar high for the band.
The group is fronted by J. Lee with Harun Kotch (Lead Guitar/ Writer/Producer), Wayne Riches (Drums) and Mike Hartnett (Bass). The musicianship of the band is through the roof with each player full of raw energy and prowess.
Beggars Soul definitely establishes J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls as one of the premier ensembles in the blues/rock genre. Because the record was recorded at the Old Chapel, a recording studio in an actual church in Chichester UK, it garnered an earthy organic sound, which the listener can totally grab onto. Their songwriting is crisp and edgy. J. Lee’s vocals carry a fierce texture with a deep gnarly resonance. Kotch’s guitar slays with monstrous riffs and ripping solos. The backbeat of Riches and Hartnett is stellar. Every bass note hits its mark and the drum flourishes are amazing. Every song on the disc takes on its own distinct flavor. The music is brazen and bold yet smoothly melodic. Beggars Soul is a rampaging beast of an album that provides dramatic twists to a well established blues/rock format.
The record opens with the ferocious “Baby Blue”. The band’s tempo is infectious. J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls set an adventurous pace that truly captures the essence of Beggars Soul. Everything rings true. The tune spotlights soaring vocals and a propulsive ambiance. Damn, this song is killer. “Get Over You” is another muscular composition that is memorable due to its funky backdrop and imposing bass. Here again, J. Lee’s resolute voice rises above.
Beggars Soul is full of shiny gems. You also have to check out the imposing “Ain’t No Way” with the horns blaring and the band full of unbridled swagger. Then there is the rockabilly of “My Baby Don’t Sing The Blues”. J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls tear the room up. Kotch has his guitar wailing and Hartnett’s bass is thunderous. There is no way the foot is not a-tapping. I’m ready to swing the wife over my back. “Need You So Bad’ exposes another side of the band. It has an intrepid R&B feel with emotive vocals and a huge sound. The production is perfect. In addition, “Getting Over You” showcases the groups swinging disposition. It rocks hard with Riches’ pounding drums laying down a voracious beat.
Speaking about the album, J Lee states: “We would have loved to have our album out sooner, but we all know what’s been going on in the world. We can say that it’ll be worth the wait and people will be rewarded for their patience, after asking us for months where is it!“.
Like the recently reviewed Cold Stares, J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls have recorded a tremendous new album. Beggars Soul is a must have. It will lift your spirit and enlighten your groove..
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To learn more about J. Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls, check out their website
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2 thoughts on “J. LEE and the HOODOO SKULLS – BEGGARS SOUL”
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Wow, these guys are awesome! I love their tight, driving rhythms, and J Lee’s vocals are perfectly suited for their sound.
I totally agree. An awesome force in the blues/rock genre.