Soulstack - Big Red (2012)

Jon Knight and Soul Stack are the latest arrivals from a seemingly growing blues scene in Canada; hailing out of Ontario, the blues quartet made up of Jon Knight (singer, guitarist), Tom Bona (drums), Mark Wessenberg (keys) and Josh Knight (bass guitar) made the album in two days, which shows in the free flowing, seemingly improvised roots music that makes the album a great listen. Soul Stack has produced a truly great, soft, easy listening blues album.

The core style of the album is roots blues as every song feels like a throwback to the old style of the blues, which the band refreshingly bring back to us with tracks like “Stone Cold Man,” “Since You Came Around,” and “In Your Mind.” All these tracks are harmonized expertly by the entire band and have splendid flowing technique.

Musically this album is great; every member of the band plays their part competently sounding like a well seasoned band. It’s effortless, absorbing and extremely well executed blues with a number of influential music styles, which makes the album flow magnificently with each song as good as the last. Big Red is the most soulful album of the year so far and a must for everyone to have on their summer playlist. ~Josh May