Seth Lee Jones (from the album Tulsa Custom

Seth Lee Jones (from the album Tulsa Custom

Seth Lee Jones (from the album Tulsa Custom available on Horton Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Seth Lee Jones is Okie through and through. Born and raised in the Sooner State, he cherishes the traditions ingrained within the region and its roots. That, of course, is apparent in the title of his new album, Tulsa Custom, but it’s also evidenced in the fact that the album was recorded for an Oklahoma-based label of national repute, Horton Records, and tracked live in Tulsa’s Teegarden Studio’s. Local players also were a prominent part in the proceedings, among them, drummer Matt Teegarden, son of the studio’s namesake, David Teegarden, and the veteran musician who was one-half of the legendary duo Teagarden & Van Winkle as well as drummer behind Bob Seger in the Silver Bullet Band, bassist Bo Hallford, another staple of the Tulsa scene and harp player Chebon Tiger from the Oklahoma City music community.
 
That said, the songs showcase an individual approach that shows a reverence for the Blues while reaching well beyond any traditional template. The relentless wail of “110” brings to mind Hendrix at his most passionate and pervasive, just as the unrelenting thrust of “All That I Ask” ensures the energy and exhilaration remain at full throttle. So too, the steady stride of “Bird of Paradise”, the dogged drive of “Walter” and “Penny Park”, the stealth-like sound of “Mr. Evil”, and the determined groove powering  “Good Dog” further fuel the proceedings.
 
Naturally then, Seth Lee Jones takes center stage throughout, his fiery fretwork and emotive, expressive vocals push the parameters and take each of these entries into overdrive. Whether it’s the unrelenting insistence shared within “One Chance” or the steady stomp of the R&B-sounding “Outta My Mind”, Jones’ expressive inclinations reflect his passion and personality, lending a sound that’s every bit as emphatic as the meticulous melodies themselves. When he does allow for a brief respite, courtesy of the closing track “Don’t Waste a Thing”, emotional investment is, yet again, both consistent and clear.

That combination of prowess and persona makes Tulsa Custom a thoroughly riveting encounter. Credit Seth Lee Jones’ powerful persona for bringing it to its full fruition.  (by Lee Zimmerman)
 
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