Product Description
JANIVA MAGNESS - BACK FOR ME
COMING MARCH 28, 2025, RESERVE YOUR COPY TODAY!
JANIVA MAGNESS
Back For Me
Blue Élan Records
Back For Me is a revelatory musical affirmation borne of the convergence of emotion, artistry and the long-overdue anthropomorphization of an oceanographic wonder; simply put, that the soul of Janiva Magness is the Mariana Trench of the Blues. That deep. Originals or covers, she owns those songs like the devil owns fire. And by the time the fourth line of the opening “Masterpiece” pays off its title, we are going so deep so fast, we’re never sure if that momentary blur at the shallow end of the pool was the Titanic.
Maybe it’s the emotional muscle memory of having endured enough of Janiva’s impeccably curated pain that evokes my euphoric anticipatory wince before her voice is even heard on these tracks. “Masterpiece,” penned by her longtime producer/collaborator/guitarist Dave Darling, shows us exactly what it’s all about. Without ever challenging the endurance of her laryngeal hardware – without ever pushing her chops into that “Yo! Check out how much agony I’m in now!” spotlight – Darling masterfully showcases Janiva’s mystical penchant for endowing mere syllables with more layers than Pia Zadora’s wedding cake. Maybe most notable on this track is Janiva’s passing that gift along to Joe Bonamassa, who gives this song all the “him” those layers need to know how they made it onto the invite list.
Half the songs are by frequently covered artists whose gems have never sparkled quite like this. Bill Withers’ “The Same Love That Made Me Laugh” seizes with a mesmerizing grip that hangs on tight long after the song is over. For Tracy Nelson’s “Down So Low,” Janiva joins a 12-legged slow dance with Irony, Panic, Resignation, Melancholy, and Chllling Dismissal through puddles of tears and honey.
Back For Me’s album notes claim these songs were all recorded live in the studio, with everyone who played on them there when it happened. Listening to Janiva’s originals “I Was Good To You, Baby” and “Holes” (featuring a whole lotta rockin’ guitar from Sue Foley), you have to wonder, “After everything Janiva is gonna throw at a mic is hauled into the studio and unpacked, how much room is left for a band to set up?” It must be a pretty deep room.
– Terry Abrahamson