Jay Hooks - "Tequila and Bullets" - jayhooksbandbandzoogle.com

Produced by - Matthew R. Johnson

2025  Blues/Out Law Blues Record Label- Joplin Street Music

Doug Deutsch - US Publicity

 

 

 

                       Thanks,Jay Hooks,for kicking me solidly in the ass with your latest and most welcome release,"Tequila and Bullets". Nothing better than cranking up gritty and powerful Texas-style blues-rock,raw,sparse,limited production overkill, just the music having its way with me , as I'm driving myself on errands and family taxi service duty around New Jersey. On the toughest of days your sonic cocktail washed over me,that distinctive sonic signature  a powerful,distinct flavor that I thoroughly enjoyed. Like a fine,aged whiskey, the music has layers of complexity that you appreciate with each listen.  Thanks Jay for mixing such an intoxicating and thoroughly refreshing cocktail,a dynamic mix of musical ingredients that packs a punch and a wallop from those potent combinations. My road trips got a whole lot better and much easier to swallow!!

                       

                       Texas blues-rock guitarist , singer and songwriter Jay Hooks has just released his latest,"Tequila and Bullets" . The album came about from a desire to catch the live sound he- and his fans - enjoyed some twenty years back on European tours.

                         " When I set out to make this record, I wanted it to sound like my live shows from 2001 and 2002 - raw,sweaty,and in your face. I was lucky enough that Matt Johnson had toured with me back then, and he knew exactly what I was looking for."

                         

                         Jay Hooks-" "Tequila and Bullets" was written on a plane from Houston to Las Vegas. When people drink tequila it's like truth serum - you can't get them to shut up.Their true feelings come out,and the next day they're like, oh no! Same way with a bullet - when it's fired, its path tells the truth. It can't be manipulated to lie."

                       

                          Jay's music has captured the essence of Texas blues, blending traditional elements with a modern rock edge that has appealed to world-wide audiences for decades. 

                     

                          After releasing his debut album, "Hooked Up", in 1997, "Jay Hooks" being released on Provogue Records in 2000, "Redline" is released in 2002 - Jay's reputation as a formidable blues guitarist is cemented around the globe, his energetic live performances and authentic sound solidify his reputation, making Jay a beloved figure in the blues-rock community.

                    In 2005 - Jay suffers a profound setback that shakes him to his core. This drained Jay of the joy he once found in his music.The years that followed were a blur of sorrow and self-pity. Jay withdrew from the public eye, and his once-thriving music career came to a screeching halt.

                    In 2020,after 15 years of pain and emptiness,Jay dusted off his guitar collection and began playing again. Slowly Jay bgan to rediscover the love that had once defined him.Music,his old friend, was now calling him back. Music had always been the anchor that grounded him,and now it was saving his life once again. Jay began playing Texas bars again but with a totally new outlook on life.

                 Jay returns to the studio in 2024,determined to make a magnificent comeback. The studio sessions were filled with emotion as Jay poured his heart into his new music. 

                 

                          Jay hopes that his journey will inspire others to never give up,no matter how hard their setbacks may seem. His story is a powerful reminder that the comeback is always stronger than the setback. His unwavering love for music and his determination to overcome adversity have not only revived his career but also saved his life.

                 

                         Pure tone,pure soul,no filler - the essence of the Jay Hooks sound. Intricate solos,smooth licks,dynamic riffs,alongside a driving rhythm section that provides a solid foundation for the music,keeping the groove going and driving the songs forward - Jay creates a sound that is uniquely his own.

                   

                       * Like Lightnin' Hopkins,a master of storytelling,who brought a raw and emotional quality to Texas Blues.He had an unmatched ability to convey emotion through music.

                   * Like Freddie King,a Texas Blues powerhouse,whose energetic performances and signature fingerpicking style bridged traditional blues with rock and roll.

                    * Like Steve Ray Vaughn,whose fiery guitar solos and soulful voice earned him global recognition.

                    * Like Johnny Winter who brought blues into rock music through his exceptional guitar skills while remaining true to his Texas heritage.His vigorous performances introduced blues music to younger fans.

 

                    Listening to his live performances - https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1083941123914639

and listening to tracks like "Lonesome" , "A Woman Like You", "I Was Wrong" , "My Kinda Fire" , "Mississippi Sheiks" , "Mind Full" , "Mexican Larry" , "Your Touch" , and "Evinrude Motor Boat"  , you get the full picture of a musician who is back enjoying himself once again, his unique brand of "Texas Outlaw Blues" delivering a hard-hitting soundtrack for rebellion and redemption . Jay and his bandmates are bringing the spirit of smokey roadhouses and Texas dive bars to every listener out there . This is the music that fires up your soul , that high-energy Texas boogie sound. Jay's individuality and signature style makes his music instantly recognizable.  On "Tequila and Bullets" Jay Hooks continues to bridge the past and present,introducing a new generation to the rich history of Texas blues . An outstanding release that should put an even brighter spotlight on the remarkable guitar artistry of Jay Hooks.

 

                         Many Thanks to Everyone Involved - 

                       Jay Hooks- Guitar,Vocals / Jorge Castillo-Rhythm Guitar/Brock Proctor-Bass Guitar / Matthew R. Johnson- Drums / Barry Seelen- Hammond B-3 / Myron Big Jack Johnson-Trumpet

 

Review Written By - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1