Legendary vocalist Jimmy Hall has just released is first new solo album of original material since 2007 with Ready Now through KTBA Records, alongside which appear his third single from the flull-lengther, in ‘Rising Up’.
First gaining popularity as lead vocalist for legendary US southern rock ‘n funk band Wet Willie. Jimmy Hall also played saxophone and harmonica with the Mobile, Alabama band, his brother being their bass player, and sister Donna, a backing singer.
His unique brand of R&B-infused rock and roll and onstage swagger propelled the group’s signature song ‘Keep on Smilin’’ to the Top 10 on the Billboard singles chart in 1974.
After seven albums with Capricorn Records, Wet Willie moved to Epic Records releasing the singles ‘Street Corner Serenade’ and‘Weekend’. Both singles hit the US Top 40 and five other songs were placed in the Billboard Top 100.
New album, Ready Now, is said to be “packed with unforgettable, amazing songs and performances”, and a major statement in a career full of highs dating back to his work with Wet Willie. It has been stated that his “harp playing, and writing have never been stronger or more laser focused on making a definitive career defining album”.
Produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, both of who, also perform on the record, we are going to be offered epic southern rock tunes with ‘Ready Now’ and ‘A Long Goodbye’, through to the boogie and blues of ‘Girl’s Got Sugar’ and ‘Jumpin’ for Joy’.
Backed by a crack band that, aside from Bonamassa and Smith, features legendary keyboardist Reese Wynans, bassist Michael Rhodes and drummer Greg Morrow, Hall is free to give his all to the songs and performances. None more so than on the track ‘Dream Release’ written with his son Ryan Hall about his lifetime friendship with Gregg Allman.
Bonamassa co-wrote five songs and plays unforgettable guitar solos* on a number of the tracks, Smith on‘Girl’s Got Sugar’, and somespecial guest performances from guitaristsWarren Haynes and Jared James Nichols.
The album’s track in full are ‘Jumpin’ For Joy’, ‘Risin’ Up’*, ‘Dream Release’, ‘Girl’s Got Sugar’ featuring. Josh Smith, ‘Ready Now’ featuring Warren Haynes, ‘Holding On For Dear Love’*, ‘A Long Goodbye’*, ‘Will You Still Be Here’*, ‘Without Your Love’ featuring Jared James Nichols, ‘Love For It’ and ‘Eyes In The Back Of Your Head’.
‘Jumpin’ For Joy‘ was released as the first single from the album, then came the title track, regarding which Hall said: “’Ready Now’ is a special song with a powerful message of healing and moving forward in life.
“It’s about not giving in to temptation and not staying stuck in old habits that are unhealthy physically and emotionally. Jeff Silbar and I both put a lot of time and deliberation into this song and what it says and feel like it’s something the world needs to hear.”
All three singles are available to buy and stream from here and you can also check out the videos for them here at RAMzine.
The Ready Now album is available to order here and can be streamed here.
