http://www.ozmusicscene.com/jimmy-barnes-goes-back-to-the-blues/

Jimmy Barnes Goes Back to the Blues

July 16, 2009 by lkatulka

He might be 53 years old, but Jimmy Barnes shows no signs of slowing down. The Aussie music veteran recorded not one, but two new albums in a recent trip to the United States. jimmybarnes33

The first is a prequel to his famous Soul Deep album, titled The Rhythm & the Blues. As the name suggests, the covers disc will feature bluesy numbers from the 50s and 60s.

Jimmy assembled an all-star band for the disc, including guitarist Johnny Lee Schell (Lucinda Williams, BB King), pianist Mike Thompson (Eagles), bassist Reggie McBride (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder) and drummer James Gadson (Quincy Jones, Bill Withers). Being the consummate professionals that they are, the album was recorded in just three days. Well hear a taste of it next month when the first single is released.

While stateside Jimmy also teamed up with Jonathan Cain, the co-writer of Working Class Man for another original rock album. Who knows whether another single so strong will grace this disc, but I cant help crossing my fingers.

We can expect both albums to hit record stores soon.

Jimmy Barnes Makes Prequel To Soul Deep

by Paul Cashmere - July 16 2009
photo by Ros O'Gorman

`Soul Deep` was Jimmy Barnes paying homage to the great soul acts who influenced him. It was the biggest selling album of his career. Now Jimmy has gone back into the studio to work on a prequel.

The new album will be called The Rhythm & the Blues. It features songs from the 50s and 60s.

Barnes recorded the album in Los Angeles.

It features Johnny Lee Schell (Lucinda Williams, BB King) on guitar, Mike Thompson (Eagles) on piano, Reggie McBride (Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder) on bass and James Gadson (Quincy Jones, Bill Withers) on drums.

The entire album was recorded in just three days.

Barnesy reunited with producer Don Gehman for the record. Don produced his Two Fires and Flesh & Wood albums.

We will hear the first single next month.

But wait, theres more. Jimmy also has another album in the works. The rock record was recorded in LA, San Francisco, Austin, New York and Boston.

Jimmy got back with Jonathan Cain to write for this record. Cain co-wrote his signature tune Working Class Man.

Both albums are due soon.