In a genre where it is still considered "young" to be 45 years old, how does a youthful band of 20-somethings get taken seriously?

Answer, they release a CD as exuberant as Bogart's Bounce. Jones' debut CD was impressive but this sophomore release proves he and his band are ready to play with the big boys. In fact, thanks to special guests Kim Wilson and Gene Taylor of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, they do just that.

The 62-minute, 14-track, all-original disc is one of maturity. Everything about it implies growth - from the cover depicting a pensive artist honing his craft, to the music itself.

Upon hearing this Canadian band's disc, you can't help but notice the presence of west coast bounce. Surprisingly, they do not reign from that part of the country, but rather, the nation's capital, Ottawa.

Obvious influences from T-Bone Walker, Charlie Baty, Junior Watson and Rusty Zinn are present on many cuts. JW handles all guitars, most vocals and production. Southside Steve Marriner delivers well-timed classic harp and occasional vocals. The two comprise the band's core while Nathan Morris (upright bass) and Matt Sobb (drums) round out the rhythm section.

Every track on the new disc is of the foot-tappin' and hand-clappin' kind. Roll down the frets, rollick on the keys, surf the upright bass and jump the harp on the swinging instrumental, which kicks things off. Definitely nothing to flatline here.

There are two more songs without lyrics, namely the title track and Goldtop Groove. On the former, JW fires bullets as well as robust, recital-precise notes. When Tortoise Blue's cyclone-like organ kicks in, you better hope your speakers are rated for 100 watts of power. Everyone gets a chance to showcase on the latter tune where JW has a big, fat, jazzy guitar sound and comically throws in a few bars from The Flintstones theme song.

On Ain't Soon Enough, JW throws Texas grit into his guitar solo while Southside blows like he was raised in that part of Chicago over 40 years ago. Without You has a sitting by the river feel. The harp bends, winds, and flows just like water on this brilliant track.

Things get rockin' a la Howlin' Wolf on Don't Tease Me. Here, South blows like his lungs are a wind tunnel. Some songs like Don't Sugar Coat It are from a different era, as in the big band jazz era. Steve sings this one along with Sweet Sugar Mama, leaving a honeyed impression. The sucrose-flavoured vocals of Roxanne Potvin are a tad tart while JW's shrill guitar solo matches their emotions.

The established vocals of Kim Wilson are more than welcome on Time To Move On. The song's hit-single rhythm and down-home lyrics prove that the band members may be young but they are well traveled and road tested. Fellow Fab T-Bird Gene Taylor is fantastic on the keyboards throughout the entire album. Roll over Beethoven indeed!

Artistic partnerships such as Little Charlie/Rick Estrin, and Rick Holmstrom/Rod Piazza bring certain musical images to mind. Following closely in their footsteps is Jones/Marriner. Individually they are incredible but as a team, they create phenomenal music with plenty of good time shuffles.

Kim Wilson has nothing but superlatives and praise for JW and his band. Wilson states in the liner notes, "JW has the potential to be as good as anybody," and "JW and Steve show that blues can be a music of youth."

Copyright 2002. Review by Tim Holek.