I was lucky enough to be at this show. We made it just in time, arriving as they launched into the first number...the young girls selling the tickets in the entry were already paying attention to the room where the band was cranking it up. I doubt any of them had ever heard anything live remotely close to this music before, though I know a couple of them have heard his CDs and downloads . Since Garry Hodgson who tapes JR&NB's shows for the downloads usually does so in Bar settings, his teenage daughters can't be in attendance. It was exciting to have them finally get to hear the man in person...for those of us who are already big fans. The audience was rapt. I wasn't sure how his music would play..in a Church of all places, but it was amazingly good. Jason has such a sweetness and was doing this to give to Habitat for Humanity...even those people who could easily have left at the intermission having already given their donation for the cause, stayed for the entire show and came up to thank and congratulate Jason, Shawn, Steve & Todd for a show well done. Now that's a gift. I should be jaded by now by the band's regular numbers, but I hear them fresh each time...enjoy them anew, but as well it was very pleasurable to see other friends' reactions to mew instrumentals like "Sonya"...an absolutely gorgeous number written by Shawn where Jason gets to show his acoustic chops and his gentle and sweet side. That song alone could be a No. 1 hit. (You heard it here first).

Each band member had the opportunity to strut their stuff with extended, well-deserved solos...each is a class musician in their own right. It is not an exaggeration to say that Shawn Starsky is as good as any young guitarist could be today to equal Clapton at his age. Together, they make this the best incarnation of New Blood I think (subjectively) it's ever been (not to take anything away from Slim Louis).

As long in duration as a typical JR & New Blood show always is, I still hate when it's over and I have to go home with Jason's harmonica still playing in my head. They are usually crashing in a local motel totally exhausted or already preparing to hit the highway for a long commute to the next stop for yet another gig the next day. I still don't know how he does what he does...while keeping his fans and those who love him happy in the process. A wonderful show!

Elizabeth

I haven't had a chance to see these guys in a while, so my only chance is to check in through Archive. This is an incredible show by one of the most talented and inspirational bands you'll ever see / hear. If you're not a fan yet, bear with the Habitat chatter (listen and learn, actually)and lose yourself in the wonder that is a JRNB show. For seasoned fans, the Blue and Lonesome is the best I've heard.

Music aside, here's to Garry (the harmonica geek world's voice of humane wisdom and kindness) for putting this show together, and here's to Jason and the boys for their generosity of talent, time and spirit.