JUDGE JACKSON – 6 (2013)

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And indeed, Judge Jackson’s music embodies the drive, determination and Rock ‘n Roll lifestyle that many of their peers seems to have lost. The band mention as influence Tesla, Guns ‘N Roses and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but also Lynyrd Skynyrd. Listening “6”, those comparisons are more than accurate.
Along with Lee Jackson’s slashing power chords, Judge Jackson is fueled by Canadian born Todd McTavish on vocals, J.J. Garcia’s tub-thumping drums and Brian James’ bass rumble. Sure, they rock, but McTavish and Jackson create indelible melodies, sing-along lyrics and extremely catchy choruses.
McTavish holds much of the direction with his vocal prowess ranging from powerful notes to sweet lines, and as a result, the Judge Jackson soundscape shifts constantly. Most of the songs are pretty short, hovering around the 2 and 3 minute mark.

From the opening mover “Top Of The World” to the Guns ‘N Roses induced swagger of follower “Done”, just two songs in and it’s quite clear what these boys want to do. Give the listener a good old, classic rock and roll time to remember.
Pulling back from the edge for the opening moments of “Keep On Truckin”, the power fades out to a laid back and almost emotional approach, before once again picking up the pace to kick things in fully. What’s striking here is how the guys have formed a mix out of the vocals and drums during the verse section, accentuating the vocal line fully before bolstering the mix back to full power for another seriously catchy chorus.
Even throwing in the compulsory ballad moment in the form of “Hold You Tight”, there doesn’t seem to be anything the band aren’t capable of doing. Laid back and emotional yet catchy at the same time, the track evokes images of swaying hands and lighters in the air.

There’s other hard rockin’ tracks in “#13” and the edgy “Suck It Up” (one of my favorites) while “Dynamite” lives up to its name. But Judge Jackson shows their eclecticism with the ZZ Top flavor of “My Word” and the funky “January Blues”, while the Southern flavored “Cool” with the emotional and heartfelt “Laid to Rest” (which is quite simply an unbelievably beautiful song) and the yearning narrative of “California”, the band continue to demonstrate their understanding and ability through track after track, refusing to compromise and instead, sticking to their guns.
The anthemic “Born Free” celebrates ‘the power of dreaming/the right to succeed’ and the propulsive live crowd-pleaser “Rise” takes care of business Bachman-Turner Overdrive style with a plea bound to get every concert-goer to their feet.

Listening to “6”, it’s easy to see how Judge Jackson have amassed 1.200 gigs under their belt as quite simply, this is music which is made for the live scene, presenting you with music to dance to, sing to, and have a damned good time to.
But the band has the skills to capture that ‘lively vibe’ on tape as well, and there’s no shortage of rocking with this album from beginning to end. Take for sure Judge Jackson will have your undivided attention, I know they had mine.
Self-produced by the band with engineer/mixer Billy Baker, “6” is packed with fourteen 100% grade A Rock ‘n Roll that is guaranteed to satisfy.
Judge Jackson are flying the flag and keepin’ the R’N’R faith in this age of computerized machine noise. All you have to do is get your hands on “6” to hear and feel what I’m talking about.
ROCKS.

01 – Top Of The World
02 – Done
03 – Keep On Truckin’
04 – Hold You Tight
05 – Dynamite
06 – My Word
07 – Born Free
08 – Cool
09 – Rise
10 – January Blues
11 – Laid To Rest
12 – #13
13 – Suck It Up
14 – California

Todd McTavish – Vocals
Lee Jackson – Guitar
Brian James – Bass, Backing Vocals
J.J. Garcia – Drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/6/dp/B00ALG00TV8