Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers
Lloyd Jones
"Small Potatoes"
Burnside Records BCD-0422-9

By Roger M. Spoto

This is the reissue of a CD released on Criminal Records in 1989. Jones is a Portland, Oregon guitarist/singer/songwriter/arranger who combines Blues, R & B and funk and spent time playing with The Johnny Otis Show, Charlie Musselwhite, George 'Harmonica' Smith, Big Mama Thornton and Big Walter Horton while sharing stages with Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Taj Mahal, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, John Hammond, Etta James, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Curtis Salgado. If those artists don't influence you, guess what? You're dead. But Jones is alive and well and this CD gives you a sampler (unfortunately only 33 minutes) of Lloyd's talents as he swings through and around a fine rhythm section and full brass accompaniment to a bright, fresh set of funky tunes that add a touch of Bob Marley spice to the proceedings, especially with the backing vocals (you'll hear it). Jones' sound is not exploring new territory (just re- defining it) and it didn't take big onions to re-release "Small Potatoes" because the songs here have enough bite to provide you with a complete menu which take the best of the aforementioned influences and get you on the dance floor. The light swing of his West Coast sound is infectious and Jones, who never bludgeons you with his axe, prefers to let the groove surround you like a cloud and seep into your head. His songwriting is strong and there are no weak links here - just a snappy spud who delivers the goods with a twist and crisp production. I'll bet my beans that you'll be diggin' the potatoes offered up by an artist who deserves wider recognition. Buy the disk and enjoy the musical meal.