August 2012: The 25th Anniversary of Jo Jo Ex-Mariner
Major Label Interest is proud to present "A Fine Line," a long-awaited 13-track retrospective of Jo Jo Ex-Mariner, the North Carolina/Georgia-based heavy-pop combo whose songwriting smarts, vocal harmonies, power-drive delivery and excellent hair very nearly propelled them to the big-time in the late 1980s.
The quartet included lead guitarist Joe “Turbo” Adams, Carlton “C-Tone” Miles behind the drums, bassist Greg “Lo-note” Miller, and Jonathan “Big Groove” Mudd on rhythm guitar and lead vocals.
Formed in 1987 in Durham, NC, the band eventually relocated to Atlanta, GA and rose to regional prominence through relentless touring on the Southeastern club circuit. Sparked by radio airplay on the big FM stations in Raleigh and Atlanta, Jo Jo graduated to larger theater stages by opening for the likes of the BoDeans, Arrogance, the Swimming Pool Q's, World Party, Adrian Belew, and Robyn Hitchcock.
"A Fine Line" features the band’s Major Label Interest debut in its entirety—including the power-ballad "Circles," concert show-stopper "All I Ever Wanted (Ecstacy),” and the fist-pumping anthem "Ooh La La." Making special guest appearances on the album are NC guitar hero Terry McInturff, who lays down a snaky solo on "Life in a Day," Arrogance's Rod Abernethy, who adds keyboards on several tracks, and George Stephens and Trey Chiles--better known as the Chateau Boys.
Also presented here for the first time are three tracks from Jo Jo’s final recording sessions with producer Steve Gronback (Black Crowes, Rain Parade, The Connells). "Love or Money, "Tell" and "Amnesia" provide ample evidence that Jo Jo Ex-Mariner were just hitting stride when they called it quits in 1989. All thirteen tracks were digitally re-mastered (with extra "Drawmer") by Gronback for this special commemorative edition.
"A Fine Line" is dedicated to the late, great Carlton Miles, whose thunderous drumming and angelic harmony vocals were very much the heart and soul of Jo Jo Ex-Mariner.
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