Artist: Jimmy Barnes
Album: Flesh And Blood
Label: Mushroom Records
Release Date: July 2nd 2021
Reviewer: Rod Strachan
Jimmy Barnes returns from the studio in 2021 with his ninetieth studio release titled “Flesh & Blood” slated for release on July 2nd.
“Flesh & Blood” the title track kicks us off in a heart-warming look into the world of family. Simply put this track is nothing short of brilliant! Wonderfully written lyrics and melodies drive a chorus that will pull on the heart strings looking through any father’s eyes! Co-written by brother in law and another Aussie icon artist Diesel!
“I’m Coming Home” continues the family orientated theme with its acoustic driven intro. A reflective look at the one place there is nowhere like in the world. The bagpipes add a glorious tip of the hat to Jimmy’s heritage and upbringing.
“Gateway To Your Heart” is a pop rocker that would be equally at home on any previous release and finds its home right here. Jimmy’s vocals shine brightly here in this touching track covers a whole range of emotions from beginning to end.
“This Is the Truth” changes gears and gives us an in depth look into Jimmy’s blues roots. A dazzlingly constructed piece of music highlighted by beautiful backing harmonies, guitar and keys! Simply outstanding!
“Around In Circles” is a mid-tempo rocker with all the elements that we come to love from Jimmy’s music. A lyrical love letter in many ways to anyone’s trials and tribulations when it comes to relationships. A cornerstone piece to the albums many pillars!
“Til The Next Time” proves the old adage that if a song doesn’t sound good on an acoustic guitar it never will. An alluring song that is simple in assembly yet powerful and moving at the same time.
“I Move Slow” featuring one of Jimmy’s best vocal performances of his stellar career. Joined on lead vocals by his immensely talented children Elly-May and Jackie to deliver a top quality vocal driven track.
“End of the Road” is simply put…Classic Jimmy! With a string of best-selling books now behind him this track is a lyrical self-reflective masterpiece!
“Love Hurts” covering the 1976 Nazareth classic Jimmy is joined by the heart and soul of the Barnes family – his wife Jane. The two show their decades together are just a stepping stone of their love for each other. Perfectly entwined the two deliver a soulful version faithful to the original.
For the final track Jimmy is joined by daughter Eliza Jane for a rendition of the 1946 classic country hit “Tennessee Waltz”. A who’s who have covered the track over the years and this version is fitting finale to the album with a song now some 75 years old!
The Barnes family whilst in lock down have delivered a top quality product for music fans all over the world. Whilst Jimmy is at the forefront of the album special mention goes out to all the family members above as well as daughter Mahalia and grand-daughter Tyra Harrison who’s vocals appear throughout album. His son-in-law, Ben Rodgers, engineered the album, played bass and collaborated with Jimmy’s nephew, renowned photographer Jesse Lizotte, on the album cover.
Don’t miss out on this album!
Jimmy is also headed out on the road to support the album.
Frontier Touring are excited to announce Mahalia Barnes and Jade MacRae as special guests on Jimmy Barnes upcoming Flesh And Blood tour. Mahalia Barnes will perform on all Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sydney shows and Jade MacRae on all Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne dates.
With Flesh And Blood – the tour and the new album – including contributions from the extended Barnes family, it’s fitting that acclaimed singer-songwriter Mahalia Barnes opens the show in stripped back mode at the Gold Coast, Brisbane and two Sydney shows.
The powerhouse soul and blues vocalist has been in and around music her entire life, having been exposed to everything from Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ike + Tina Turner and Ray Charles. Mahalia + The Soul Mates have released three albums, Volume One, Ooh Yea!: The Betty Davis Songbook and 2018’s Hard Expectations.
Most recently, Mahalia along with Kate Ceberano and Nikki Costa performed the Russell Morris classic ‘The Real Thing’ on Music From The Home Front. Mahalia also paid tribute to Helen Reddy with a rousing performance of the iconic ‘I Am Woman’ live on Q+A (ABC).
Multi ARIA award nominee, APRA award winner and close Barnes family friend, R&B and Soul singer, Jade MacRae joins the tour as special guest in Perth, and the two Adelaide and two Melbourne shows. With a career spanning 25 years, including much of the past four years on the road with US blues guitarist, Joe Bonamassa, MacRae released new single ‘Weather The Storm’ last month and the acclaimed ‘Handle Me with Care’ album featuring the singles ‘I Choose Love’ and ‘Midnight Air’ in 2020.
Jade’s flair for live performance, versatility and dynamic delivery have taken her to join the stage and studio with countless local greats; Jimmy Barnes, Neil Finn, Cold Chisel, Renee Geyer whilst internationally, Ray Charles, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), George Bensen and John Legend.
Jimmy’s latest singles, ‘Flesh And Blood’ and ‘Til The Next Time’ are out now – listen here. The Flesh And Blood album is released on 2 July through Bloodlines and can be pre-ordered here.
