The Soul of John Black is on a mission. John “JB” Bigham’s Soul Salvation arrives October 10 on Yellow Dog Records — ten groove-laden tracks that chart a course back to the essence of soul blues and illuminate the path to roots redemption.
Bigham comes loaded with credentials: Miles Davis collaborator, Fishbone alum, and author of a run of critically acclaimed Yellow Dog Records releases. NPR praised Good Thang for its “seductive roots that extend back to the jazz age”; Blues Revue said of The Good Girl Blues that “if the blues is to survive and flourish for future generations, it will be because of artists like these.” Rolling Stone called his work “amazing… a whole new brand of soul.” Soul Salvation is his most personal and grounded work yet.
The album unfolds like a masterfully paced live set — from the ambient-tinged blues of opener “Begging You Baby” through the Memphis soul of “Take Your Time” to the New Orleans party anthem “That Thang.” The four-pointed star on the cover — a childhood drawing turned lifelong symbol — serves as compass throughout. Like the glowing “salvation” marquee inside LA’s Silver Lake Lounge that sparked the album’s title, it points home. Drawing on deep wells of Albert King, Mavis Staples, and his own hard-worn experience, Bigham has made something that both preserves the past and lights the way forward.
Early reviewers agree: Soul Salvation reinvigorates soul blues with irresistible groove and conviction:
“Mixes the mood with rhythmic groove, punctuated with some fantastic solos…” —Living Blues
“This music wants and gets a physical response, setting up a deep, irresistible groove… layered and rich, and sung with such natural conviction.” —Blues Music Magazine
“Reinvigorates the essence of soul blues… a masterful effort that serves up heaping helpings of both.” —Blues Blast
“A powerful set that brings the classic sounds of southern soul and blues to the 21st century… it’s the best release in an already-impressive body of work.” —Blues Bytes
Preview Soul Salvation above or grab your copy right here.