Customer Reviews

First Offense

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I have owned this cd for years and it remains one of my favorites. J.C. has a wonderful rich voice, and all of the songs are excellent. "Never Gonna Change" is so soulful that it still sends chills down my spine. "Catfish" is a whimsical blues number and is my favorite song on the disk. "Drive By Blues" is kicky, well-emphasized by the horns, with a strong social message. My only complaint to this release is that he didn't complete the whole version of "Amazing Grace". His is the ONLY version of this song that I like!

I saw J.C. Rico at the Waterfront Blues Festival a couple of times, and he was just as good live. I don't know where he's been in recent years but I sure do miss him.

If you are curious about this cd, you will NOT be disappointed.

From Chicago - single, "Armed and Dangerous" and working under "Criminal Records" with the title cliche "It's not a sin to have a 'criminal record'"...to the West Coast and "married to the right one this time, babe". JC is and always will be a good man. Now entitled 'The King of Eugene' prompted other prospective quality performers to 'come out and play' by challenging them to 'come knock me off my mountain' is now and has been performing locally over the last 32 years, is listed as a performing artist with the Hult, but he prefers small, private clubs or country settings where he can meet his audience prior to his performances. With so many people singing the blues now that really don't 'know' it like Bonnie Raite, or have their work listed in the library of congress as blues performers. He's tired of singing the local favorites 'Mustang Sally' and has recently gotten together a whole new outlook and band members. His first outbreak was the song "why" by Annie Lennox and then "Whiter Shade of Pale", as to start HIS review of what he likes to sing. The only blues song he wrote/performed was "Smile" and now he's into a recording studio and playing locally just for feedback on the new music. Where he's going? Maybe to give 'new meaning' to the WOW Hall, performing venue in Eugene with a plan to start the show with all 5 band members playing a drum set, the first song taking us "...from the country all the way to Heaven". JC's music has always been timeless, now it's HIS time. Making this one count. Doing it HIS way...all the way. The only blues JC will most likely be singing in the near future is "the Moody Blues". I am so proud to say that I 'know' him. Such an honor to be blessed with vision. If I can only hear him. Make his message mine. Do what he says. Let it go. Don't let the devil have the day. Good luck JC on your new life.

Tracks...

1) Sign Of The Times
2) Old Catfish Song
3) Outside Lookin' Back In
4) Never Gonna Change
5) Long Time Gone
6) Blues Feels Good
7) Cry To Me
8) Who Ya Gonna Tell
9) I Know Her Too
10) Drive By Blues
11) Amazing Grace

My husband was introduced to J.C's music years ago,couldn't find a CD or tape, so his friend made a copy for him. (I know,dubbing without permission is a no-no, but desperate times call for desperate measures.) When we noticed in the newspaper that he was playing locally, we couldn't wait to hear him in person. He spoke with my husband for a few minutes, after one of his sets. and my honey was truly star-struck!
We could still not find his music, so HURRAY for Amazon. We'll buy up all the CDs J.C.Rico produces!