By Bob Silvestri
bobsilvestri@bestofwny.com
For
thirty continuous years Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes have been
entertaining their fans and making new ones along the way. A powerhouse
touring outfit their studio releases have been infrequent at best so it
is great news to announce their latest titled Into The Harbor. Along with
Bruce Springsteen, Southside and The Jukes were innovators of what is now
known as the Jersey Shore sound and while Springsteen drifted to a serious
singer songwriter Southside and The Jukes kept the party going with their
interminable mix of soul, blues and rock. Into The Harbor finds the band
older and wiser with Southside’s voice occasionally sounding like the miles
are catching up to him. His passionate delivery more than makes up for
any shortcomings time has dealt. This is evident on the title track, a
reflective analogy of his life and one of the Jukes’ all time best songs.
Other outstanding tracks include “When Rita Leaves”, “Nothing But A Heartache”
and “All In My Mind”. The band tackles two cover songs as well, Richard
Thompson’s love lament “Tear Stained Letter” and a raucous version of The
Stones “Happy” featuring The Jukes signature horn section. For more on
Into The Harbor and Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes check out www.southsidejohnny.com
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