Finis Tasby is a blues singer from L.A. by way of Dallas, Texas. Although he has had a career spanning 40 years, he really hasn’t done much recording. Having a new disc on the Evidence label, the best of all blues labels, is clearly the break he’s been waiting for. Finis takes advantage of this break with a swinging set of west coast jump blues. The disc features a wide array of some of L.A.’s most prominent blues musicians. Those taking part in this project include guitarists Rick Holmstrom from the Mighty Flyers, Kid Ramos of Fabulous Thunderbirds fame, and the popular Coco Montoya. Also featured is harp ace Lester Butler who passed away soon after this project was completed.

The disc gets off to a rousing start with a song called "Mercy’s Blues (I Believe)." It’s Holmstrom’s guitar that dominates this song which was a hit back in 1957 for Mercy Baby. The power sax of Woody Woodford kicks in on the next tune called "Georgia Slop." This is one of two Jimmy McCracklin songs covered by Tasby. McCracklin, along with the legendary Lowell Fulson, was a major influence on Tasby. During the 60’s he occasionally worked with both of them. Tasby pays homage to Fulson as well covering his classic tune "It’s Your Fault Baby."

The title cut "Jump Children" is an upbeat and exciting song originally done by Fats Domino. The song is dominated by a great harp solo from Lester Butler. It is followed by the one slow song on the disc, the Jessie Mae Robinson masterpiece "Cold Cold Feeling." This tune features the understated yet tasteful guitar of Kid Ramos. It’s a song that has appeared on countless blues recordings.

Some other highlights include a raise the dead screamer called "The Jive." Tasby also puts his own slant on Jimmy Reed’s "The Sun Is Shining." (This song seems to be popping up all over the place lately.) There’s also an enjoyable cover of B.B. King’s "Please Accept My Love." The disc ends with the lone original track, a rambunctious number called "Job For Christmas." This cut features Kid Ramos on slide sounding an awful lot like Johnny Winter.

This is a very enjoyable and very well produced set of swing blues. It has a big full sound to it and Finis Tasby clearly has the chops to pull it off. It’s a wonder that somebody with his talent hasn’t been recording all along. This is yet another success for the people at Evidence Music.