Songwriter/bassist/lead vocalist Jay Murphree is the key figure in Atlanta, GA`s "Country Rock `n` Roll Hitmakers" The Bluejays. Murphree`s voice combines the smoothness and charm of Chris Isaak with the honky-tonk flair of Buck Owens. The tunes fit somewhere in that bit of comparative signposting as well as the band offer up a healthy 15-track (presumably culled from a hundred) set of smooth rockin` twang. Hints of rockabilly, desert rock `n` roll and Tex-Mex emerge from these fine tunes, which, in fairness, include a few written and performed by the other talented members of the quartet. Their understated retro quality is rounded out with classic country songwriting, ensuring a good time - and a few heartbroken ones too - from start to finish. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (Hithouse Records)
