by JJ Koczan
(Originally appeared in The Aquarian Weekly) The best in classic rock was always that which was derived directly from the blues. Cream. Led Zeppelin. Black Sabbath. These bands knew where it was at and they went there. So it is with Jackie Blue.
Formed in Detroit by bassist Tom Libertiny and the since-departed Chip Thomas at the turn of the century, Jackie Blue is neither a person nor a band member. Vocalist Carrie Firth, who joined in 2002 after the departure of both Thomas and then-singer Brent McKay, has her own name, and she likes it very much, thanks.



Having made recent appearances locally at Wild Spirits in NYC and Double D's in Morristown, the Detroit collective are among only a scant few making classic rock true to its heritage. And yeah, Detroit to New Jersey doesn't exactly make them a local band, but they tour, and you have the internet, so it's not like they're inaccessible.

Laid back groves that could open their mouth and swallow you whole are permeated by Ike Turner-esque distortion, all while Firth lays down the cool blues on top. Who could possibly complain about that?"
--by JJ Koczan, The Aquarian, New Jersey
www.JackieBlue.com

www.theaquarian.com