The transformation of KJP from revivalist bluesman to contemporary singer-songwriter, which began on 1999's Shine Eyed Mister Zen, continues apace on his fifth album. His songs are now mini stories, sans verse-chorus-bridge restraints, populated by seekers of truth and peddlers of dreams. His lap-guitar style is exemplary, his voice has a heartfelt, rich patina and the backing musicians, including Bill Frisell on electric guitar, create a folk-jazz accompaniment of almost spiritual empathy. "Knock Louder" revisits his blues roots, but only serves to remind us how far he has since come.
The transformation of KJP from revivalist bluesman to contemporary singer-songwriter, which began on 1999’s Shine Eyed Mister Zen, continues apace on his fifth album. His songs are now mini stories, sans verse-chorus-bridge restraints, populated by seekers of truth and peddlers of dreams. His lap-guitar style is exemplary, his voice has a heartfelt, rich patina and the backing musicians, including Bill Frisell on electric guitar, create a folk-jazz accompaniment of almost spiritual empathy. “Knock Louder” revisits his blues roots, but only serves to remind us how far he has since come.
