On to new projects - in the meantime this was our last CD project which has garnered lots of radio air-play!!
Mojo Mikes Review of SECOND CHANCE
Janie Cribbs and T.Rust is new to me, but now I am a big fan. I received the CD last Fall when my Radio show was still in reruns due to the pandemic. When I started to prepare to “go live” I was reviewing some CDs I had received and was knocked over by this new arrival. Unknown to me, they have apparently been a popular, but somewhat isolated band up on Whidbey Island. It's about time to get them “off island” more often! Second Chance is a fine blend of blues music with socially conscious lyrics. Perhaps the best example of this is the first track, “Freedom Train.” A gospel tinged plea for social involvement in these difficult times. There is one cover, Joni Mitchell's “Woodstock,” but otherwise the remaining tracks reflect a fine mix of tunes crafted by Cribbs and guitarist, Joe Reggiatore. The band is rounded out by the rhythm section of Kevin Holden on Drums, Dave Willis on bass and Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews on the keys. It is often a fool's errand to make comparisons, but here I go. Ms Cribbs reminds me of another NW Washington blueswoman, Polly O'Keary. She also reminds me of another singer/artist that is one of my all-time favs, Eva Cassidy. If you haven't heard Janie that may give you some idea of singing style and quality. Other notable tracks include a great classic blues number, “2 Pints of Whiskey.” the title tune “Second Chance” is a reminder of the possibility for redemption and the need for change. “Never Knew My Name” could by an anthem of both personal and group oppression. “You're Too Big” is an up-tempo caution about not overlooking a person's potential based on external appearances. Finally, the last cut , “Shadows” is another call to social action for support of the oppressed. To be honest, I liked every track! This is yet another fine effort from the vital blues community here in Washington. Go check out their web page, Janie Cribbs and the T.Rust Band - Home and support local musicians by buying their CD and going to their performances. Be cool! (Mike Witmer currently hosts “Mojo Mike's Blues Revue” from 8-10pm, Monday evenings, on KVSH 101.9 fm or streaming at www.voiceofvashon.org or ask Alexa to play KVSH-LP. He moved back to the Seattle area after 9 years in Boise where he hosted on “Radio Boise” KRBX, and before that at KSVR in Mount Vernon, Washington. He plays bass guitar and “messes with boats” in his spare time. Second Chance “Car radio stereo is the best test..FUCKING GREAT CD.. super sound.. your vocal has never been better.. so confident and powerful and dynamic.. you deliver baby!! I’m a huge Joe fan.. his vibe and tasteful playing is never better.. be proud of this effort Janie Cribbs!! The writing is King Daddy here.. writing is EVERYTHING!! You and Joe have done well musically...do not change a thing Janie…I love you and the gift that you and Joe have..” Legendary Guitarist, songwriter, producer and The Session Man - Danny Mangold Washington Blues Society Bluesletter ~ February 2019 “The second album from Whidbey Island group Janie Cribbs and The T.Rust Band, “Queen of Fire”, is a heartfelt tribute to women everywhere who have experienced the struggles of being a strong woman in our demanding world. Cribbs is a vocalist who styles herself after pioneers and heroes such as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Big Mama Thornton, Etta James and Janis Joplin in her talk-sing storytelling. She co-wrote the album with guitarist Joe Reggiatore whose skills run the gamut of blues, roots, and country rock. The opening track is a clever history lesson on women in Rock, and Cribbs gets introspective on “Wouldn’t Change a Thing”. She encourages us all to draw strength from hard times on the world-music tinged “Freedom” and the tale of a wild woman “Lucy Left Chicago” is a playful romp.” Rick J.Bowen Hi Janie, We run a bit slow at KSER, but your CD did get added to our library this week. It's a really great record and I bet that it will be getting some airplay in the coming weeks. Ron T KSER 90.7 FM Everett, Wa Hi Janie. Some Very Eclectic Friday Night Blues Tonight... OK, OK, a couple more songs from Aretha, and a new track - Queen of Fire - from Janie Cribbs & the T.Rust Band that talks about her... Thank you for the CD. Best of luck to you! Barney Burke KPTZ, Port Townsend Wa. Hi Janie. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to tell you last night how terrific you and your band were last night at the Bayview Corner street dance. Wowza! It was great! I so admire your professionalism and the “give it all we’ve got” attitude of you and your band. The fact that so many fans came out to hear you and dance, given the weather conditions, is testament to how much you and T.Rust are admired and loved. We look forward to your performing again next year! Thank you! --Marian Marian A. Myszkowski Director of Programs Goosefoot Community Fund A great package in the mail today from Janie Cribbs. Her new CD with the T. Rust Band. All original new songs written by Janie and Joe Reggiatore. “Queen of Fire.” Perfect. Janie and Joe are the real deal—making their contribution to the culture of the Pacific Nothwest for a long time. And the great news is they will be playing The Oak Harbor Music Festival this year. Come out and hear them play “Queen of Fire.” Get your own copy! Carl Funk Singer/ Songwriter/Filmmaker The Halyards, Brandos Dear Janie, Jon and I wanted to take the opportunity today to send you and the cosmic epic band so much gratitude from higher love for playing at our (BEYOND the Dream) Magical Wedding. We really are so pleased and amazed with how much you rocked it that night with so much vibrant spirit. We did not want your music to ever end!! Thank you also so much for gifting us your new CD, Queen of Fire. On our way to our romantic honeymoon, we turned your CD on for the first time. I was so excited to have it!! The music is dynamically colorful and full of powerful words that felt fresh and timeless at once. We pray that your new CD reaches far and wide places of the heart and that your life lightens to new levels of peace from here on out. We hope this message of gratitude to you and The T. Rust Band delight your senses today. You all really made a huge sacred imprint of magic on the most important day of our lives. We love you, Janie! Enjoy:) Wow! What a wonderful wedding and Celebration of Our Marriage of Higher Love! Our dream to bring our family and friends together, to come closer to the magic of love came true. Thank you for your participation in co-creating this amazing once in a lifetime experience! Thank you to Janie Cribbs and the T.Rust Band for bringing so much ecstatic fun and inclusive groove to the celebration dance floor. This band is a local gem. Mr. and Mrs. Jon and Sommer Joy Ramer, Survival of the Kindest - Compassion Games Peace on Earth by 2030 For me it was love at first sight. You are a mighty and unforgettable treasure Janie. When you sing your presence, and message, and voice give me chills, bring me to tears, and activate so much emotion of authentic hope and joy. Big love and smiles and hugs to YOU!! <3 Thank you for a memorable uplifting evening! <3 LOVE YOU <3 Gulum Hatum hi janie..love this set of songs…you are truly remarkable….just a joy to listen to….all the songs are awesome…love the feeling…love the words…just way nice.…just sayin i way love your new album!…i love every song..i will enjoy many more times and tell you my favorite parts sometime in a few more weeks..(there are many)…you really are wonderful musicians with awesome creativity..you ’n joe.….your words too… blow me away..so nice..…well done…this album is a 10. tOnY reAd * original music artist tOnY reAd * original music artist Hey Janie: I've listened to your CD several times now, and I have to say, GREAT JOB! One of these days I will catch one of your shows.... Anyway, Great job and keep on making music! Evert Olkonen Dear Janie , what a lovely message and thank you ...It was a pleasure to contribute and now that I have the cds , so worth it !!! The very best of luck with it .You take care and we’ll chat again soon and good luck with gigs ...Your voice - wonderful as always xx Anita O'Connor Janie! Thank You for sharing your gift! - and your heart N Soul with us all... You guys kicked it today... Peace be with you Sista....✌🏼 Giovanni Strain Janie Cribbs Hello again! We’ve listened to your New CD a few times now. It’s really good. Our bodies were swaying and our feet were tapping. Reminded us of the wonderful concerts you gave us at Yellowpoint.... Bev and Peter Duncan, B.C. Here is our town, our people, and the powerful music and message from our local singer, songwriter, artist and activist, Janie Cribbs, who never stops trying to peacefully fight for change through music, art and determination. In my opinion, this song "What about You?" ranks as one of the best protest anthems I've ever heard...very thought-provoking and honest, but hopeful, too. Thank you, Janie, for all you do. The world is a better place with you in it. ❤️ Kin O' Brien T.Rust there is cosmological response when the lady sings, the instruments engage so we dance we move ears joyfully transfer emotions to a deeper self, one a little less restrained, a little more prone to excitation… the music drives us, like a truck with no reverse so clap, slide as your mind snaps its fingers and asks for more… Mike O’Connell |
Janie Cribbs, Joe Reggiatore, Kevin Holden
and Keegan Harshman |