Jason Ricci, JJ Appleton

JJ Appleton + Jason Ricci
"Dirty Memory"

americana blues + lowdown roots = dirty memory

The joining of forces between award winning blues harp master Jason Ricci and singer/songwriter/guitarist JJ Appleton is one of the most unexpected and exciting blues music releases of 2015.  Containing original songs that nod to Delta blues and roots history, the album stakes a claim in modern Americana authenticity to bring raw, powerful emotions and world class musicianship in an acoustic format.  Ricci's fiery harp performances blend perfectly with Appleton's deep, wry, truthful songs and fierce resonator guitar skills.  The recording's intensity is pushed even higher with upright bassists Tim Lefebvre (Tedeschi Trucks) and Neal Heidler (Eddie Harris) bringing fat-bottom grooves to the albums already supple tracks.

Appleton's production captures the charged atmosphere of the sessions, and with a "Dirty Memory" tour set for 2015/2016  - fans can expect to see that energy and passion up close and personal. Between the two artists their associations in the world of music are truly unique.  Ricci, well known as the top harp player of his generation, has worked with legendary blues artists like Johnny Winter, RL Burnside, Walter Trout, Susan Tedeschi and Otis Taylor in addition to being a headliner at blues festivals and clubs worldwide.  Jason's appearance with Zac Brown and Tom Morello as the featured harp player for Paul Butterfield's Rock and Roll Hall of fame induction will air on HBO on May 30th, coinciding with this release.  Adding to the excitement this year is Ricci's appearance and Grammy nod for his performance on Johnny Winter's "Step Back" album.  

Throughout Appleton's varied musical career as a touring/recording artist and producer he has worked an eclectic roster including Keb 'Mo, Kesha, Jamie Cullum, Ashford & Simpson, Maya Angelou and Leslie West.  JJ was signed to Universal/UK as a rock artist and has toured extensively throughout the US and UK.   Appleton says, "My first concert was Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and soon after I witnessed the brilliant harpist Sredni Vollmer perform with Rick Danko - that left a permanent mark that one day I would find a way to make an album and perform with a blues harp master."  

With "Dirty Memory" Ricci and Appleton are keeping alive an American musical tradition, while bringing a 21st century sound and viewpoint to songs that speak to the heart and soul of Americana Blues.


What the early reviews are saying…

"JJ APPLETON & JASON RICCI - DIRTY MEMORY. It could be the first sign of the Jason Ricci musical "phoenix" rising. I have to admit I was less familiar with JJ Appleton when this release was announced but it's been a joy learning about his already noteworthy imprint on Roots/American if not Blues genres. His dobro slide work is accurate, greasy and f-ing strong enough to build a house on. His voice is NOT a contrived "don't I sound weathered" performance….it's true to his apparent character and quickly encourages repeated listens.

If you're already familiar with Ricci then you know he is growing and learning from his on rise/fall experiences in life and the industry. He sings lead vocal on at least two tunes on this release and his voice and lyrics are haunting. He knows he's said he was a "New Man" before, but this time he really means it. How is the harp playing? It's both traditional and ground breaking. Jason's sound is steeped in the blues masters he studied as a young blues player, but he is advancing the instrument and genre with every release (this the first in 6 years). The result is lush melodic and passionate with no lack of his trademark fireworks. 5 stars."

- Johnny Millions Blues Blog UK.