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bryce janey "blues in my soul" (GYR064)

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BRYCE JANEY "BURNING FLAME" (GYR112)

THE JANEYS "GET DOWN..." (GYR113)

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Bryce Janey operates in a power trio format, Bryce on vocals and guitar, Dan ‘DJ’ Johnson on bass and Eric Douglas on drums; Perry Welsh adds harmonica to the title track. The album contains nine originals written by Bryce, one a co-write with producer (and label boss) Joe Romagnola, plus covers of Robert Johnson and Rory Gallagher. The album opens with some discordant guitar noise over a solid rhythm that soon gives way to some power chording. The slide-driven stomper “This Old Guitar” in which Bryce tells us about one of his first instruments is good fun and the title track “Delta Road” continues with slide as well as adding some solid harp support. “Delta Road” follows on in the tradition of songs in which the bluesman sells his soul and lyrically Bryce reinforces that image by quoting from several Robert Johnson songs. Rory Gallagher’s “Lonesome Highway” is driven along well by drummer Eric and Bryce gives us plenty of guitar flourishes in a double-tracked slide and lead production. Bryce is concerned with the way things are going in “World Of Trouble” but concludes that he no longer cares and will just “keep a guitar by my side”: whether Bryce’s Hendrixisms will be effective in solving the world’s issues remains to be seen! The sole change of pace here is “Time Doesn’t Wait” which comes towards the end of the album and offers some gentler guitar styling that are well suited to the tragic lyrics of the song. Bryce closes with RJ’s “Hellhound On My Trail”, shifting to acoustic steel slide for the only time on the album and it is again a change that works well. This album will appeal to those who enjoy the heavier style of blues-rock with plenty of guitar pyrotechnics.

Blues Matters Magazine (April 2016)
 

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There is a lot of history in the guitar playing of Bryce Janey. The guitarist is the son of the legendary Billy Lee Janey whose ‘70s group Truth and Janey recorded the 1976 No Rest for the Wicked, an album that has become an underground classic among heavy rock aficionados. Delta Road is the 10th release from Bryce who follows in his father’s footsteps playing electric blues that leans more toward the heavy than traditional. Joined by long-time associates bassist Dan “DJ” Johnson and drummer Eric Douglas, the trio lock in as they explore the eclectic crossroads that make up the eleven tracks on Delta Road. “This Old Guitar” was the first to sink its teeth in after repeated listens. A clever lyric that presses fond memories, the song makes a fitting tribute to the instrument that has been Janey’s constant companion since forming a trio with his parents at the age of 13. The guitar tone is sharp and edgy, dancing along like a trusted lover as Janey sings, “I still remember when I first picked her up, she still feels like a worn out glove.”

It’s with that guitar that Janey and band unleash a series of foot stompin’ music that “Shake the Wall.” They even have a song of the same title, which calls to mind elements of Skynyrd, Ram Jam and Humble Pie. Opening number “Keep Marchin’ On” throws in some psychedelic funk while deep cuts “Same Old Thang” and “Feel like a Stranger” walk the thin line between rock and blues with dynamic playing and roll lickin’ attitude. Title track “Delta Road” is a Southern-fried jam that tells the aged tale of making a deal with the devil for musical prowess. The rhythm section drops in the pocket behind a slippery lick to give the song a kick-ass groove made all the better with a splash of Harmonica courtesy of Perry Welsh. Rory Gallagher’s “Lonesome Highway” shines as a cover tapping into a cross between homage and individual interpretation while “Better Off With The Blues” and “World Of Trouble” get down and dirty with loads of feedback and some of the album’s best playing. The band slow for the mournful eulogy of a fallen friend in the emotional “Time Doesn’t Wait” giving Janey full freedom to let the notes linger in the air. The disc appropriately ends with a riveting version of Robert Johnson’s “Hellhound on My Trail."

Todd K. Smith - The Electric Beard (November 2015)
 

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Man, this is deep. Deep in authenticity, deep in the pocket and steeped deep in the blues. If it's a true, from the heart serving of guitar driven, groove drippin' goodness you seek, then take a trip down the Delta Road. That's where you'll find guitarist and singer Bryce Janey and his natural, utterly believable grinding good times and heartfelt cries of anguish. Unlike many bluesters, Janey tosses away the need for flash and fluff, his dark, lived in voice and the ability to wring true emotion from his fretboard, more than enough to get his message across and have you fully onboard.

Having bassist Dan "DJ" Johnson and drummer Eric Dougles alongside him allows Janey to take a walk in all directions, a bending solo infusing "This Old Guitar", a sweet Hendrix shimmy brought to life in a more traditional way through "Feel Like A Stranger". However that a track like "Shake The Walls (With Foot Stompin' Music)" can engage so organically, proves why that no matter what fads, genres and technology flits past, the blues stays the course, true to itself and unwavering in what its strengths (great songs, passionate performances, heart on sleeve lyrics) really are. There are no airs and graces in this music and neither are there in "Time Doesn't Wait", "Same Old Thang" or the classy Rory Gallagher cover "Lonesome Highway"; an album which always feels as though it is a labour of love, delivering riff after riff, solo after solo and beat after beat of the music Bryce and his band live for. Nothing is forced, with every note being played for the song and a real sense of understanding of what makes Delta Road the show of strength it is, and when you can call on the mid paced chugger of "Better Off With The Blues" (now there's an apt song title!), or the bass rumble and guitar tumble of "World Of Trouble" there's simply no let up in the quality of what's on offer. A gritty cover of the Robert Johnson classic "Hellhound On My Trail" closes the album out in authentic style and while what's come before may not be quite as stripped back, it is an indicator of where Bryce Janey's Delta Road originates from and where it calls home.

Steven Reid / Sea Of Tranquility (October 2015)
 

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Delta Road makes 10 solo discs recorded for Bryce Janey. You have to be pretty darn good to manage to record that many legitimate albums. Things are not any different on this album. The same cast of characters returns with Bassist Dan Johnson and drummer Eric Douglas. If you have heard his recent albums then you are already familiar with Janey’s powerhouse guitar playing combined with a distinctive gravelly voice that backs it up. This stuff clearly straddles the line between the blues and rock.

Bryce’s guitar leaps off the starting line with “Keep Marchin’ On” and the rock continues with a tribute to the unique bond between a player and his instrument on “This Old Guitar.” Perry Welsh makes an appearance to lend some harmonica on the rockin’ blues tribute to Robert Johnson on “Delta Road.” A distinct Southern roadhouse vibe continues on “Shake The Walls (With Foot Stompin’ Music)”. “Feels Like A Stranger” rocks along and has some very expressive solo work as Bryce laments on the state of a failed relationship which lends itself to a pertinent transition to the aptly titled slow blues of “Better Off With the Blues.”

A splendid spot on rendition of Rory Gallagher’s 2003 release “Lonesome Highway” is one of two covers. Yes, it was released after his death but originally recorded back in the ’70s. Bryce does it justice. “World of Trouble” is a poignant comment on the state of affairs in which we currently exist where “Too many people have something to say, No one even hears a single word, The words don’t fix nothing anyway.” Things get funky with “Same Old Thing.” With wahwah laden rhythm guitar and a solo that is filled with quickly hammered on notes, ringing overdriven tones and quick changes in the pace, this song is anything but what the title suggests it is. “Time Doesn’t Wait” slows things down a lot as he mourns the senseless loss of a friend. If anyone doubts Bryce’s blues credibility, though they just have to give a listen to the closing track, an acoustic dobro driven version of Robert Johnson’s “Hellhound On My Trail.”

Bryce continues the family legacy of delivering great guitar driven blues rock for us to savor. There are some tracks that should placate the blues purist and thrill anyone who just wants to hear a some talented rock guitar work. Either way it is a pleasure to take a ride with Bryce down the Delta Road.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Keep Marchin’ On
– Time Doesn’t Wait
– Same Old Thing
– Better Off With the Blues

The Big Hit

– Same Old Thing

Kevin O’Rourke - Blues Rock Review (October 2015)
 

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I’m engrossed with the latest album from Bryce Janey, Delta Road. This outstanding collection of bodacious guitar blues is jam-packed with exceptional songs and great musicianship. Bassist Dan Johnson and drummer Eric Douglas both return to back Janey once again in the studio, keeping that signature sound intact.

Right from the beginning, Janey delivers the goods. “Keep Marchin’ On” takes the listener on a musical journey. A funky rhythm and a dab of psychedelic undertones enhance the phenomenal guitar jams he lays down. This track is surely at the top of my list of favorites. While singing about the strong kinship between himself and his instrument, Janey lays down a catchy smooth bluesy groove in “This Old Guitar”. This is a great platform to launch some really nice, attention-grabbing guitar licks.

Don’t let the song title “Same Old Thing” fool you. The song is anything but that. Once the ignition key is turned, the funk is released and Janey steers the song skyward. The sound he conjures out of his guitar is simply amazing. Janey digs in deep with lots of tasty slide on title track, “Delta Road”, a rich and swampy homage to The King of the Delta Blues, Robert Johnson. I love the harmonica bursts provided by Peter Welsh. While on the subject of Robert Johnson, I have to mention the stripped-down rendition of Johnson’s classic tune, “Hellhound on My Trail” which Janey closes the album with. This one is clearly remarkable. Delta Road keeps the groove moving from beginning to end, and in my humble opinion is Bryce Janey’s best work yet.

Phillip Smith / PhillyCheezeBlues Reviews (September 2015)
 

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Bryce Janey began his career at the age of thirteen in his hometown of Marion, Iowa in the blues rock trio, The Janeys. With his mother on drums and his father, Billy Lee, on guitar, the band knew both regionally and also found a lot of success nationally. They shared the stage with more than 50 national acts, including Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Traveler, Johnny Winter, Elvin Bishop and the big Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor. Bryce began a solo career in the early nineties and combined the two projects flawlessly. In 1995 he released his first solo album, 'Practice What You Preach.' The album experienced a lot of success. Bryce always releases a great album -- 'Burning Flame' and 'Blues In My Soul' are two good examples of this. With 'Delta Road,' Janey is now on his tenth solo album. As usual, most songs on 'Delta Road' again are from the pen of Janey himself. Anyone who loves energetic blues rock driven with spicy guitar riffs is in the right place with Janey. The album contains eleven tracks and was recorded at Stray Dog Recording Studios in Marion, Iowa. Along with Bryce, Grooveyard Records boss Joe Romagnola was involved in the production, recording, mixing and mastering.

The rhythm section of Dan Johnson on bass and Eric Douglas on drums begin firmly on the opener, 'Keep Marchin' On.' Moments later, the frontman joins his companions and immediately attacks the number with strong vocals along with spicy and sizzling guitar riffs. Those riffs are one of the strongest points of Janey and he will lavishly dish them out throughout this whole album. Without doubt a very clever opener. Driving blues rock solidly takes you from the first note of 'This Old Guitar.' Bryce gets down on his Fender Stratocaster in the title song, 'Delta Road.' Guest musician Perry Welsh contributes more than a bit with his raw blues harp. For me, one of the highlights on the CD. The songs continue to maintain a high level and those who love the crisp guitar work are no doubt very well catered to. Dan Johnson on bass is also equally in the spotlight during 'Feel Like A Stranger' and 'Better Off With The Blues.' Bryce's very strong fretwork on the neck of his Strat takes focus here but does not overwhelm. You wonder each time what Janey is going to do again.

The Rory Gallagher cover, 'Lonesome Highway,' left me wanting more. With Eric Douglas on drums and Dan Johnson on bass, Bryce has a very solid rhythm section. 'World Of Trouble' takes an unusual but excellent start thanks to Eric and Dan. Bryce sings that he is always close to the guitar and I do not doubt it for a second. Just listen to the irresistible 'Same Old Thang' and you know what I'm talking about. It is reminiscent of the heyday of psychedelic blues-rock guitar legend Jimi Hendrix. Janey can also operate at a slower, more sensitive way. The beautiful ballad, 'Time Does Not Wait,' is even more sweet in the voice and the six string. Bryce honors his idols. After the cover of Rory, he closes the album with 'Hellhound On My Trail' by Robert Johnson. Delta blues of the highest order. Beautifully plaintive vocals and haunting slide guitars finish this excellent album. Bryce Janey can again look back with satisfaction on his tenth solo album. Recommended.

Walter Vanheuckelom / Rootstime.be (August 2015)
 

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Bryce Janey is like a force of nature — his blues-rock guitar playing storms through the terrain of his contemporaries and would even give old school guitar heroes reason to get out of town. On ‘Delta Road,’ he is joined again by Dan Johnson on bass and Eric Douglas on drums. Together, they create hard-hitting music that is bound to make history. Giving the word ‘virtuoso’ new meaning, these boys are serious. They have studied the idiom with heart and soul, and have lashed back with their own musical statement, redefining the genre. The passion and expertise with which they rock the house will leave people talking for decades. Janey’s guitar is front and center, as it should be. Move over rover, and let Janey take over. I have no doubts that he will. This is heavy blues guitar rock for the future!

Steve Rosen - Author/Journalist - NYC (August 2015)
 

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Bryce Janey's recordings have always been rooted firmly in the blues with a rock and roll edge which further established Janey as one of the rare musical talents of his generation. On his latest release, 'Delta Road', Bryce Janey continues the tradition of smokin' blues with doses of southern spice throughout. If you know Bryce Janey, then you know what to expect here. Guitar-driven blues rock. Not a big departure from his recent releases, but not just a rehash either. These tunes have a nice variety of melody and style, not just all full-speed weedly-weedly. Plenty of guitar shredding too, but I didn't find it to be overdone. Not one bad song in this package, from cutting blues numbers like ,"Keep Marchin' On" and "This Old Guitar" to the rocking "Shake The Walls (With Foot Stompin' Music)", "Feel Like A Stranger", "Better Off With The Blues" , and a solid cover of the Rory Gallagher penned, "Lonesome Highway", makes this collection worth every penny spent for this album. The production is not overly compressed and has an in your face feel to the music which adds to the "Live in the Studio" feel. Overall, 'Delta Road' is yet another release that is guaranteed to generate mixed opinions. One thing is without question though, no matter what the public's reaction, Bryce Janey continues to strive for breaking new ground with his music. Uninterested in retreading the same ground or fitting into the current music scene,unlike some of his more 'popular' contemporaries, Bryce Janey' s influences do not begin and end with Hendrix and Vaughan. He is a true artist that isn't afraid to follow his muse wherever it leads him. Time will only tell where Bryce Janey 's music will take him next...after all, with the talent he has on guitar, it really doesn't matter what direction his material heads in, its just a pleasure and a privilege to listen and go along for the ride. -Highly Recommended-

Tony Sison / The Dedicated Rocker Society / All Access Magazine (August 2015)
 

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