CD Review
JT Lauritsen
Perfect Moves
Bluestown Records BTR1014
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: November 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Three years after 2001's acclaimed "Make A Better World" (voted best blues album of the year by "Blues News" in his homeland) comes Norwegian Jan Tore Lauritsen's new album, "Perfect Moves." The band line-up may have changed, but the quality has definitely not been diminished.
Like its predecessor, "Perfect Moves" is firmly rooted in New Orleans, with blues, zydeco and funk influences being readily discernible. There is also an alcohol theme running through several of the tracks, starting with the rocking opener, "Best Friends," which pays tribute to Jack and Jim (no surnames necessary!), and continuing with the lilting beat of "Harry's Place," and the excellent slow burner "Misery & Gin" which also features some fine guitar from Arfinn Tørrisen (who co-wrote most of the songs). It is on such slower numbers that Lauritsen's prowess as a soul singer really shines through, and "Junkie For Your Love" has to be one of the best soul songs of recent years.
Lauritsen is also at home on rockier numbers such as "Run Baby Run" and the Los Lobo-esque "Did You Find Love." When things get very funky, he takes a rest, allowing backing singer Stina Stenerud to handle lead vocals on a great rendition of Bill Withers' "Use Me," with fine support from Paul Wagnberg (B3) and Richard Gjems (harp). Lauritsen then returns with his accordion to slow things down for "Person Pleaser" before taking things to a steady rolling close with "Saddle Up or Settle In."
"Perfect Moves" proves that JT Lauritsen is a first rate singer and songwriter, who just keeps improving with age. Helped out by a very good supporting cast of musicians, "Perfect Moves" keeps getting better with repeated plays. Definitely one to look out for.
www.jtlauritsen.com
www.pacificblues.com
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