House Party at Big Jon's is an unabashed valentine to not just the sound of Chess, but the feel. Compressed, spare, and gritty, this duet album between
Bob Corritore and
Big Jon Atkinson -- there are several other guests that stop by -- jumps and swings, ignoring any of the over-amplified guitar theatrics that came to define modern blues.
Atkinson certainly can lay it down, but he's tasteful and sharp, interjecting precise solos and cutting loose with fiery leads when the situation calls for it. Such skills contrast nicely with
Corritore's greasy harp, but the great thing about
House Party at Big Jon's is that it's about vibe, not chops. This is a record that cooks, a record that sounds exactly like the house party it claims to be. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine