“A listen that seems vintage but modern, dirty yet harmonic and is unpredictable from beginning to end, Black pens a very creative and unique version of Americana that uses blues, goth, roots and southern ideas with much intrigue. 9/10.”

“The printing ink didn’t have time to dry out properly when the kingdom already had a new monarch.
Sorry Tommy (and Blues News readers), but the blues album of the year is here, that’s for sure!”

“Jhett Black’s latest album is a captivating musical journey into the heart of North
Mississippi Hill Country Blues. Drawing inspiration from his deep-rooted love for
‘roots music,’ this album serves as a testament to his passion and respect for the genre. Following his success at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Jhett embarked on a new musical adventure, co-producing his own album. with the assistance of Glenn Halverson, and the collaborative efforts of Al Basile and Callie Sioux. The album highlights Jhett’s distinctive and soulful voice, which explores the realms of rock, soul, and blues. Eleven tracks infused with hypnotic melodies on such tunes as, Mamma Told Me Not To, Eve and Eulogy, hauntingly eloquent and powered by resonator guitars, creating a fresh and intense listening experience. One
notable aspect of the album is the absence of bass, allowing the guitars and drums to establish a unique musical dimension. The absence of bass amplifies the synergy between the instruments, giving the album a raw and authentic feel. Each song bears Jhett’s distinctive touch, enveloping listeners in a sonic atmosphere both dark and melodic, often reminiscent of heavy blues and garage blues influences. With its
seamless blend of traditional blues elements and contemporary innovation, Jhett Black’s album not only pays homage to the Delta’s rich musical heritage but also points toward the future of blues music. This release is a testament to Jhett Black’s artistry and his ability to breathe new life into a classic genre.”

“Babel is blues, but it’s also more than that, a Leadbelly meets ZZ Top kind of thing, with lots of fat synth tones to muddy the waters if you’ll pardon the pun”

“Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jhett Black has returned with the bewitching blues album Babel, a disc ideally suited to showcase his rich baritone vocals and rich song craft layered amidst a Gothic soundscape with layers of Southern-fried guitar work and driving rhythms. Babel will appeal to fans of traditional and modern day blues.”

“The coolest and most creative song on the album is Sonic Tonic. This is where the B-52’s meet the blues….no kidding!! My favorite tune is Devil Ain’t an Only Child which is the kind of tune that would have fit perfectly for almost any episode of a televised series I loved, Sons of Anarchy. Another great tune enhanced by his deep voice is Gold for which there is a Lyric video available on Youtube that has some engaging visuals.”

“Lots of good stuff to choose from including the gritty fuzzed out blues of the album opener “Roll Out”, the intoxicating “Mama Told Me Not To”, the Boogie blues number “Eve”, the title cut “Babel” featuring some fine slide guitar from Black, the dark and sinister sounding “Gold”, the powerful “Wayward Son”, the blues moaner “Devil Ain’t An Only Child”, the New Wave inspired blues rocker “Sonic Tonic” and a sly cover of the Freddie King classic “Going Down” that closes out the album. With a fresh and honest approach to the way he makes music Jhett Black is a true original.”

““Babel”, the new album (CD and vinyl) is at once a deep dive into the depths of the Delta and an expedition into the future of blues music.”