Blues, Rock, Country, Folk… A real cake walk through North American music…
From Louisiana to the Great Lakes: we’re going up the Mississippi, traveling through sound landscapes that unify and don’t divide.
Sounds, many and varied, but with strong roots. The sessions were recorded on good old analogic tape to make sure we stayed in the mood; with musicians that know North American roots music, a studio recording with a decidedly live feel.
Despite the different styles, Jay has succeeded in creating links & bridges to guide us up the river. It seems to reduce distances between genres which offers us a pleasant trip up along the old river.
Like all the States one crosses going up the river, the album is unified in its diversity.
Most compositions are original, no-frill texts, stories about society and some timeless hits. Jay put a great deal of thought into the album but kept it spontaneous and authentic.
The trip starts in Louisiana where alligators roam and some sing in French. We finish up the exploration near the Great Lakes, and the source of the river in Minnesota, the birthplace of Bob Dylan and his protest songs.
With Up the Mississippi, Jay opens a world where music is often the center of things. He has put together his influences to sum up, in 11 songs, what people that go up the river might hear. If you have already made the trip you’ll re-live your memories and impressions in the music. And if you haven’t made the journey yet, UP THE MISSISSIPPI is a good way to imagine and visualize life in the neighborhoods, in the cities and above all the people.
1. Sixty Two And A Half (Jay Ryan) 3’24
2. This Ain’t No Promised Land (Jay Ryan) 3’10
3. No Home To Speak Of (Jay Ryan) 4’48
4. Blood Sweat And Sorrow (Jay Ryan, Marco Vichi) 3’53
5. Rollin’ And Tumblin’ (Muddy Waters) 3’44
6. Guilty As Born (Jay Ryan) 3’00
7. Au Bord de l’Eau (Philippe Gosselin) 3’24
8. I’m Really Glad I Met Her (Tyler Jameson Barnes) 3’43
9. One And One Makes Three (Jay Ryan) 3’37
10. Hand Me Down My Walkin Cane (dp) 4’02
11. Maggie’s Farm (Bob Dylan) 4’52
Jay Ryan (Lead vocals, guitars)
Stéphane Missri (Guitars, Banjo, Lap Steel Guitar, Background Vocals),
Paul Susen (Fiddle, Acoustic Mandolin, Electric Mandolin),
Marten Ingle (Bass, Double Bass, Background Vocals),
Jean-Serge Karsky (Drums, Percussion, Washboard, Spoons)
Recorded and mixed by Arnaud Bascuñana | Studio 180
Mastered by Maor Appelbaum | Maor Appelbaum Mastering
Publishing: Amoc except « Maggie’s farm » by Special Rider Music, « Rollin’ and Tumblin’ » by Watertoons, « Hand Me Down My Walking Cane » is a traditional American song
Photographies: Edith Gaudy
Design: Céline Cuvelier
Production: Juste une Trace
With support: SCPP | SACEM
Release date: 14-09-2018