Reviewed by Ralph Jones

Anyone who has been in the Boise area for over a week and is into music is familiar with John Nemeth in one of his many musical roles - playing traditional blues (with the Jacks) or singing the classic Jazz vocals (backed by the Frim Fram Four).

This latest CD, titled Jack Of Harps, is by far John's best yet. John has been playing and singing in the Boise area for the past 9 years. Starting with Fat John and the Three Slims his band has evolved to its present configuration of Mike Trail, on guitar, Rob Wilson on drums and John Simpson on bass.

The line up for this CD features the new rhythm section, anchored by Rob Wilson on drums and kept on track by John Simpson's bass and includes Andy Cortens on keyboards. The addition of Andy gives the numbers a real shape adding some stellar boogie and pounding blues piano. Mike Trail as always does a fabulous job on the guitar.

Seven of the ten cuts are John Nemeth compositions. Love Zombie, Fetch That Wood, Wake Up Baby and Grizzly Bear are original fun and unique.

Opening the disc with a Champion Jack Dupree composition titled "Mother In Law Blues" John displays his outstanding vocal and harmonica mastery. Don Cunningham did the mastering of this disc from the original recording made by John Simpson at the Nemeth house in May of this year. After listening to this recording it is apparent that this is a unique - single takes with no overdubbing. The sound is like many original Chicago blues recordings, raw and raspy thus duplicating the early sound generated in the Chess and Alligator studios by the early giants of the blues like Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter.

My personal favorite is "Every Night 'bout This Time", a classic written by Dave Bartholomew and Antoine "Fats" Domino the early 60's. John's voice on this is stellar, a great example of his outstanding range and vocal command. John's own composition titled "Time Won't Wait" is in my humble opinion the best original to date by Mr. Nemeth. It captures the feel and tempo of the early blues classics.

If you do not have a copy add this disc to your collection of local blues artists.

Keep up the effort and we wish you all (John N., Andy, Bob, Mike, and John #2) success in the future.

With all the outstanding groups in the Boise area you owe yourself a night out to listen to some live music.