Steeped in the sounds of classic rhythm & blues yet brimming with inventive garage gospel energy, Jackson & The Janks are thrilled to announce the June 27 release of their sophomore album, Write It Down, on Jalopy Records. The Brooklyn-via-New Orleans quartet––featuring Jackson Lynch (vocals/guitar), Matt Bell (lap steel), Craig Flory (bass saxophone), and Sam Doores (drums/keys/backing vocals)––reveals a style that recalls legendary 1950s and ’60s R&B, while carrying the grit and verve of modern rock & roll. The lead single, “The Kick,” is out now, referencing an irresistible dance that frontman Lynch picked up at a Thanksgiving dinner among NOLA musicians.
Listen/Share “The Kick” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhH2iPg4dWk
Recorded largely on vintage tape in New Orleans with engineer Jon Atkinson (Kim Wilson, Nora Brown, Henry Gray), Write It Down captures the raw spontaneity that has propelled Jackson & The Janks to over one million streams. From the swagger of “I Don’t Give Any” (and its winking nod to a Bo Diddley groove) to the nostalgic tenderness of “Riding on a Smile,” these songs channel the spirit of the Crescent City’s musical heritage, while infusing it with a fresh, lo-fi exuberance. “Lament,” a 1959 Mamie Perry cover, takes on a haunting new dimension, evoking the theatrical flair of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, while “Beats Me” recalls the exuberant soul of Jackie Wilson.
Singer-songwriter Jackson Lynch first honed his voice busking on Royal Street in New Orleans, rubbing elbows (and splitting bills) with kindred spirits like Sierra Ferrell and Tuba Skinny. Born in Ireland and raised on the Lower East Side of New York City, he steeped himself in a wide range of roots music––from Irish fiddle tunes (learned from his grandfather) to New Orleans R&B gems discovered through his father’s record collection. “It’s amazing how steeped he is in American folk music,” says Brooklyn Folk Fest producer Eli Smith, who lauds Lynch’s familiarity with blues, gospel, and traditional balladry, adding: “He is well-versed in the canon of American folk music from field recordings, 78s, and archival sources.”
Jackson & The Janks have previously performed at the Brooklyn Folk Fest, Oldtone Festival, and the Blackpot Festival in Louisiana, in addition to high-profile session appearances for Paste, GemsOnVHS, and Western AF. This year alone, the band played a string of shows at SXSW and a two-night run at Skinny Dennis in Nashville (with The Deslondes). In celebration of Write It Down’s release, they will embark on a U.S. tour this summer, culminating with a performance at the Oldtone Roots Music Festival in Hillsdale, NY.
TOUR DATES
April 11 – Jalopy Tavern – Brooklyn, NY
April 19 – Skinny Dennis – Brooklyn, NY
April 25 – Jalopy Tavern – Brooklyn, NY
May 2 – Jalopy Tavern – Brooklyn, NY
May 16 – Jalopy Tavern – Brooklyn, NY
May 30 – Jalopy Tavern – Brooklyn, NY
June 13 – Downtown Concert Series – Frankfurt, KY
June 27 – Jalopy Theater – Brooklyn, NY (Album Release Show)
July 2 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
July 4 – Raccoon Motel – Davenport, IA
July 6 – House Concert – Eau Claire, WI
July 8 – Hi Dive – Denver, CO
July 9 – Ruffed Up Duck Saloon – Laramie, WY
July 10 – Mint Bar – Sheridan, WY
July 11 – Roly Poly Coffee – Bozeman, MT
July 12 – Pissers Palace – Butte, MT
July 13 – Longstaff House – Missoula, MT
July 14 – Range Rider Bar – Enterprise, OR
July 16 – Shakedown – Bellingham, WA
July 18 – Laurelthirst Pub – Portland, OR
July 19 – House Concert – Albany, CA
July 20 – Synapsis Union – Eureka, CA
September 4-7 – Oldtone Roots Music Festival – Hillsdale, NY
