Evan Taylor Jones soulful and funky rock EP, entitled The Sunray Sessions, gives a generous nod to the old school while developing a new edge.
Jones’ music is a mixture of several genres that blend harmoniously in The Sunray Sessions. The result is a Parliament-meets-Jimi Hendrix-meets-Marvin Gaye sound, which demonstrates an impressive depth of artistry.
Jones’ journey into music was in part inspired by unfortunate events; not the least of which was the loss of his mother at a young age. The extra life and soul these circumstances breath into Jones’ art are unmistakable. However, his music remains uplifting rather than drifting entirely into the blues.
Give Me That Rock and Roll Music
The Sunray Sessions opens with “Over Your Shoulder,” perhaps the brightest jewel on this record. With nine musicians representing Evan Taylor Jones in the studio, the instrumentation is a robust blend of rock, funk and soul. Deep, powerful and compelling vocals emanate from Jones – tying together the half ‘60s-‘70s throwback, half modern “Over Your Shoulder.”
The second track from Evan Taylor Jones is a cover of “Smooth Sailing” by Queens of the Stone Age. Jones adds a funkier edge to the song, while strong electric guitar work shines through. “Closer Together” and “Happy to Groove With You” take the intensity down a notch, but retain sophisticated dynamics. “Closer Together” features soulful vocals and a Motown-inspired sound. “Happy to Groove With You” is the perfect track for a sunny day, with the slightest hint of ska and dance hall influences thrown in.
In a slight departure, Evan Taylor Jones next covers “Homegrown” by the Zac Brown Band. The original has a distinctly country sound. Jones skillfully pays tribute to that southern flare while adding his personal touch. The Sunray Sessions closes out with “Alike.” If the album started with a statement about where Evan Taylor Jones is headed, this track is a clear homage to where they came from. There is a lot of history in the instrumentation and vocals of “Alike.”
Each track on The Sunray Sessions is a clearly Evan Taylor Jones sound. However, Jones brings a slightly different voice to each track. In this album, he proves himself to be a versatile artist while maintaining his identity throughout.