Album Notes

Just one block over from Rock Ave, at the corner of Jazz Ln., lies the infamous R&B Jook Joint. The street sign above reads Juanita Place, which lends its name to a spirited new R&B Fusion band that is quickly making a name for itself on the River City’s eclectic music scene. At the heart of this St. Louis band are three core components: lead guitarist, Jason Warren; drummer Shontez Jones; and lead vocalist and keyboard player, BJ Rice. With a nod to its jazz and rock predecessors, the group pays homage to the greats, with soulful covers of favorite classics; but also pens its own, less traditional, recipe of music. So, what is life like on Juanita Place? Thick, humid harmonies, electrifying improvisations, contagious energy and a tone that reflects an uncanny empathy with your own emotions. With influences like Steely Dan, Dave Matthews Band, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Juanita Place refuses to be overlooked. This eclectic convergence is bringing new life to a once forgotten place.

The new project, Her Hero, is a collection of stories from the personal lives of the members played over their love for the creation of music. The album was created on the road, at shows, in an organic way. When they played it live, if people loved the music, they kept it. The band wanted an album made by the people who will listen, while still being their creation. Songs like "Hello Venus" capture the moment of realizing you may have just met the perfect person before they ever truly know you. While songs like "Soul Superhero" immerse themselves in imagination.