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At the end of 2005 after coming out their 10 years jubilee "DEDICAT10N" which contains 2 fantastic cd and 2 dvd Julian Sas changed his old formation. He caused a shock to his fans but new sound no need piano (Pieter van Bogaert) and he also was look after a new powerful drummer instead of Pierre "BoogieMachine" de Haard.
He found the new powerdrummer Rob "Animal" Heijne (ex-Laundromat, Ruben Hoeke Band). It is said that idea was born after hearing a Hungarian drummer called Istvan "Fifi" Mezofi at Gastroblues .
According to cd cover after 7 months of playing together they felt it was the time to make a new record. They locked themselves for 10 days at a farm somewhere in Germany. The place has a spiritual atmosphere. They recorded tracks live without too much overdub.
As I'm not a professional reviewer just a fan - I write about my personal feelings I got from "Resurrection" which came out in January 2007.
When I saw the JS Band first I didn't feel any special altough I liked the powerful but sensitive style. Then I got a dvd. There was a moment when I must stopped the film and I was looking into Julian's eyes for long minutes. It seems to me these eyes are full of magic and secrets. Then I recognised in Julian's bio that he was born on a river. This restless man always looking for something or somebody. I don't think that he has found it on the new album.
Music is going on the old way but brings new colors as well. I think "Resurrection" is darker than the previous cds. The fact mirrored in the new design of their site . It'd take a long time to count how many tragical life musician had affected on his playing but he always gives additionally his own fears and thoughts. Lyrics usually are not so happy. Maybe R & R stars' life is harder than usual people think.
The first track of 9 "Moving To Survive" is dynamic and hopeful but going to inside of the cd Julian opens his "Burning Soul" to the whole world. I don't know too many musician who makes it so open and painful nice way. "Runnin' All My Life" - "Driftin' like a ship on open sea, Forever to be free" - we all need freedom but I think Julian's soul is crying for it more than anyone's.
"All I Know" - a song about loneliness. Classic rock themes in a slow blues. It is perfectly fit to have a rest on concerts but listening this track and next "Ain't No Change" my mood was going down and down. Julian's voice sounds to me tired and pale. I hope he'll give us as many powerful gigs as he did it before. When I saw this disciplined man who according to an interview never drinks alcohol on tour - was in good mood and seemed well-balanced.
Then "Resurrection" woke me up from my own dark thoughts. This is perfect. I like Rob Heijne and Tenny Tahamata's playing. They provide so strong but dynamic basic sound that my fingers were dancing happily on the table altough the song is not happy. Hell, demons, politicians and the Devil ... brrrr ... while angels just waiting - during exiting guitar sounds ... :)
My other favourite song "Stranded" is following new direction. Very strange. It starts acoustic then a high fly guitar sound. Nothing special - we heard that effect many times. But as they come back the acoustic part again - impressing! I like Julian's voice in this track more than in the others. Power and passion. Unbelievable spirit. At first listening the end of the song seems to be unfinished. More I listening to it more I like this open end.
I also like "Junkies Blues" with its simple but tight rhythm. Blues harp brings new colour into the sound of bluesrock trio.
The only song I don't like just the last track "Wrong Way Down" . Maybe it's my problem only I'm not able to accept it. Since I've heard it first the very bad feelings comes back again. It causes me deep depression. Sorry, I can't help it but a strange agressiv hand start to keep gripping my heart ... The only way for me to avoid being a suicide person - to restart the cd and listening again "Moving To Survive" ... The circle is closed.
"Thanks for believing and hope to see you somewhere on the road" - says the cover.
Coming back to the cover the talented Dutch guitarist hold his instrument towards us like a rifle. Allright, the gun is in his hands but in this case I don't mind. I recommend this material to everybody.
Thanks for the cd and dedication.
