You might be wondering about the title of this EP. How exactly is Canadian bluesman Jordan Patterson and his band “back on track”? Well, Patterson spent the past 10 years or more away from performing music, instead focusing on artist tour management and concert promotion for the likes of Britney Spears. He was also a manger and promoter for House of Blues Concerts Canada. However, he’s now back to being a consummate performer once again, singing the blues and playing the harp, and this EP is merely a taster for a full-length album that is due to come out this winter. And, man, is Patterson a talent. He’s accomplished at playing the harmonica, and he has a booming soulful voice. While it’s hard to believe that Patterson is hurting on these songs, this is strictly roadhouse blues of the top-drawer sort. Basically, if you’re not eating something greasy and drinking beer while listening to this, you’re in the wrong joint.
I have a sneaky feeling that the tracks on this four-song disc will show up on the full-length (though I could be wrong), and that points to a slight flaw of this disc. It simply feels like a collection of songs – very good songs, I may add – than something that is supposed to be a Statement with a capital S. Still, this EP is enjoyable even in its bitesized portion, and definitely makes you wonder how this all plays out live. Honestly, if you listen to this and don’t want to go to one this guy’s concerts, there is something seriously wrong with you. While this is pretty rote rock and roll, in a sense, it smolders and begs you to even try to put out the fire. So, all in all, it’s great to have Patterson and his guns back in the fold making music once again. While this gig may not be as high profile (at least, behind the scenes) as working for Ms. Spears, it’s always good to see someone with talent take the spotlight and do their own thing. So props to Patterson for getting back in the saddle. Who knows where this road may take him?