1/18/2007

Sarah Benzuly

All hail one of the new faces of soul: John “JB” Bigham. The roots of deep Southern, African-American music slither their way across Bigham’s sophomore release, The Good Girl Blues, which is filled with impressive songwriting, intricate guitar lines and soothing bass bumps. Bigham’s past credits include writing songs and playing percussion for Miles Davis, as well as handling guitar and keyboards for the eclectic rock/funk/ska band Fishbone, so he brings a lot of interesting experience and influences to his music. The first SOJB album was a full collaboration with Chris Thomas—he makes an appearance here as a bassist on two tracks—but this time Bigham has taken the production reigns himself; this is clearly his show now. He even recorded the album at home. Among the standout tracks are “The Hole,” the funky/sexy “I Got Work,” the B.B. King–inspired “Good Girl” and Memphis groove of “Feelin’s.” The Good Girl Blues is evidence that Bigham has grown dramatically as an artist and songwriter—his fusion of soul and blues sounds new, even as it hearkens back to the classic feel of past styles.