Album Notes

Criminal Records is proud to re-release an all-star 1998 compilation of some of the finest Pacific Northwest blues and roots vocalists, under the direction of drummer and producer Paul Jones.

“Have you ever wanted to listen to a lot of different music by many different artists and not have to change 10 CDs to do it?” That’s Jones’ self-penned opening liner note and part of the motivation for his 1998 release. Over a two-year span, Jones rounded up not only the best vocalists in the Northwest, but a stellar roster of the region’s best side musicians to render a rowdy mix of raw blues, R&B, soul, New Orleans funk, jump blues, gospel and more.
This is Jones’ tribute to his favorite singers and musicians, a few of whom are no longer with us, including singer J.C. Rico and keyboardist Clair Bruce, and done in memory of Jones’ drum mentor, Don Worth, Sr.

The CD includes roots rocker Jon Koonce, Lloyd “Have Mercy” Jones, blues chanteuse Lily Wilde, Norman “The Boogie Cat” Sylvester, soul stirrer Mark DuFresne, Joe Dobroe, Curtis Salgado, J.C. Rico, piano man D.K. Stewart, and Steve Bradley.

Portland, Oregon-based Criminal Records Northwest was founded for the sole purpose of promoting the Pacific Northwest blues and roots music scene. Originally founded in 1982 as the home label for the Paul deLay Band, Criminal Records released projects by Lloyd Jones (Lloyd Jones Struggle, Small Potatoes), D.K. Stewart (Sun Valley Sessions), Live at the Jolly Roger Roadhouse (with Curtis Salgado, Lloyd Jones, Paul deLay, Isaac Scott and Tom McFarland), and others. Since ‘82, the label has been capturing the best in Pacific Northwest blues. Watch for upcoming releases at www.CriminalRecordsNW.com .