As a huge fan of JD and the Straight Shot, from the very first time I was asked to review their music, I was delighted when we were contacted by Renee at Publicity Please, to give their brand new album, “The Great Divide” a listen.
On March 15, 2019, JD and the Straight Shot dropped their seventh studio album, “The Great Divide.” This New York City/Nashville based band, self-described as “roots rock,” continues to be so much more.
I have had the honor, of reviewing their new album drops, performed written interviews with some of the band members and sat in the audience while they were on tour with The Doobie Brothers, all within the past two years and JD and the Straight Shot never fails to astound me.
“The Great Divide” as an all acoustic album, heavily sprinkled with their ever developing harmonies, powerful vocals, a luscious use of instrumental arrangements, and of course, brilliant telling of stories.
Its, very timely, title track, speaks of truth and disparity, as mainstream media continues to insist on furthering the division of our society, instead of closing the gap and bringing our civilization together in fellowship. The Great Divide’s video is both stunning and disturbing as both sides of our ever-increasing social conflicts come to life to find common ground. https://bit.ly/2Bw0R4W.
Rounding out this impressive album are two cover songs, the initially recorded in, 1967, “Happy Together” by The Turtles, and “Jessica” an instrumental that was originally released by The Allman Brothers in 1973. I listened to both the original recordings and the cover tracks, back-to-back and JD and The Straight Shot does much more than pay respect to these classics; they don’t mess with perfection, they just make it their own. There is no perceptible vocal or instrumental remix. Both of these cover songs are beautifully replicated and instantly recognizable and in the case of “Jessica,” this is no easy task. This, Grammy award-winning, 7.30 minute all instrumental is a time-honored composition. We spoke with Marca Copley, vocalist, guitarist and producer of The Great Divide. Directly below my article, you will find our written interview and his thoughts on learning a song like “Jessica.”
While I have enjoyed this entire album, track-to-track, but if I had to make a choice, other than the title track, “Take it Slow” has to be my favorite. As a dancer, I immediately found myself doin’ a little salsa and bachata throughout the halls of my home. This kicky little number puts a spin on the Americana/roots rock genre by blending it with a Latin beat and flair.
JD and the Straight Shot, comes together by way of careful selection of musical artists and songwriters. Fronted by vocalist, guitarist, James (JD) Dolan, JD surrounds himself with Marc Copley, vocals, and guitar, Byron House, bass and banjo, Erin Slaver, violin, fiddle and vocals, Shawn Pelton, drums and percussion and Carolyn Dawn Johnson, guitar and vocals.
Together this group of “A” list, exceptional talent has worked with and performed with a plethora of celebrated industry artists in numerous different musical genres. Gather this enormous experience, history, education, musical backgrounds together on one stage, it is a treat for the eyes and ears and…seven albums in 14 years. Four of which were released in the last five years!
JD and the Straight Shot are currently touring throughout the United States. You can find their music and performance schedule on their website: www.jdandthestraightshot.com.
Also, you can find and purchase their music on reputable music streaming and service sites and follow along with the band and their members by searching “JD and the Straight Shot” or the artist’s individual names on most social media sites.
I am looking forward to, once again, catching JD and his glorious band of song, on stage in San Diego at The Music Box; www.musicboxsd.com July 28. As part of their “Sirius XM Coffee House Tour” they will share the stage with Matt Costa; www.mattcosta.com and Matt Hartke. I was unable to locate a website for Matt Hartke, but to learn more about his music, please search for him on social media and music service sites.
Immediately following this article, please read our interview with Marc Copley. You can also find additional historical articles and information on JD and the Straight Shot, by searching the band name on the front page of the magazine, in the lower left corner.
JD and the Straight Shot is:
Jim (JD) Dolan: Vocals and guitar
Marc Copley: Vocals, guitar, and producer
Byron House: Bass and banjo
Erin Slaver: Vocals, violin, and fiddle
Shawn Pelton: Drums and percussion
Carolyn Dawn Johnson: Guitar, vocals
The Great Divide Track List:
- The Great Divide
- Dead Men Tell No Tales
- It Must Be Night
- Invisible
- Bees
- Anything But Love
- Take It Slow
- Walkin’ On A Wire
- Happy Together (The Turtles cover)
- Jessica (Allman Brothers cover)
By: Siege / BackStage360
JD and the Straight Shot
Album Review “The Great Divide”
Q & A with Marc Copley
MC – Personally, I wrote the song “It Must Be Night” which is a reflection and story about substance abuse. It was a cathartic experience for me and I was really thrilled everyone liked it enough to put on the album.
(Ed. – Our Thanks to Marc and Renee)