JJ Soul Band

HUNGRY FOR NEWS
12 earlier works from this highly unique and original Icelandic group. Some exceptional songs including Dark Eyes and also the title track.”
English lyrics by vocalist-extraordinaire, JJ Soul, said to be remindful of Tom Waits, Ray Charles and Joe Cocker. Some of Iceland’s finest musicians play in the band. Blues fused with light jazz and rock.

- Norman McCourt: A´n’ R Magazine- sept. 2002 - A´n’ R Magazine- sept. 2002

CITY LIFE
"The title song has already received first prize in the USA Songwriting Competition, 1997 in R & B/Jazz category and shines brilliantly amongst other interesting compositions with its open song structures, a quantity of illusions of musical-stylistic plates, groovy soul numbers, interrupted by a waltz with slide-guitar and accordion, a latin number "All the time in the World", or the Jazz-fusion song "Same Day Service". Over everything floats and successfully cuts through the husky voice of J.J. Soul, which resembles very much the "rusty" singing of Tom Waits. Also the guitarist Edvard Larusson is noticeable by his sovereign playing technique and "song serving" guitar solos. It's a fun CD to listen to, with its altogether no set musical direction that fits the category. Not without reason, the band has classified their music as "Blues (con!)fusion". - The overall sound quality is outstanding and although some of the songs are probably too smooth-arranged for a large market, I can strongly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys a broad spectrum of music."
- Ralf Weber [www.RETROSPEC.de, 2000] - Jazz Society

CITY LIFE
"Entertaining and emotional. JJ Soul is a classy vocalist. Goosebumps from head to toes"
- Sveinn Gudjonsson: Morgunbladid, dec. 1997 - Morgunbladid, dec. 2002

REACH FOR THE SKY
The songs are well written, the musicianship is top notch and the production is outstanding.
- Clay Philips: EA South (Toronto) - TEA South (Toronto)

REACH FOR THE SKY
I work in the Music Industry so hear a lot of music. The musicianship on this album is superb and the album as a whole is something different from the norm. Very enjoyable.
R. J. - author of the book “'How To Get Your Music in Film & TV”
- Music Broker Network

REACH FOR THE SKY
Great funky, jazz-blues sound. Lyrics are best described as "Cool!"
- Metro, 2002
- Metro

REACH FOR THE SKY
Good entertainment. JJ’s vocals nice and warm. Blues and jazz flavoured music with a swing. Well written music and lyrics. This one will appeal to all those who like thoughtful and sophisticated music.
- Arni Matthiasson: Morgunbladid, dec 2002
- Morgunbladid, dec 2002

CITY LIFE
...blues/jazz-fusion but also latin flavours. The title song received 1. prize (R&B/jazz category) in The USA Songwriting Competition in 1997.
“Excellent piece of highly original jazz, funk, rock, fusion, blues from Iceland. Also extremely strong lyrically it features UK singer JJ Soul. A second to nothing”
Norman McCourt: A´n´R Magazine- sept. 2002 - A´n´R Magazine- sept. 2002

BRIGHT LIGHTS.
I would describe the music as jazzpop and it could be associated with the music of bands like Steely Dan. The average blues lover will find it too smooth and sophisticated. Maybe they will have a point, but the fact is that I seldom heard more talented musicians gathered on one album. Also the arrangements and lyrics are top level, and sound tight, complicated and easy listening at the same time..
Harold van Dorth - http://www.bobtjeblues - August 12th, 2008 -
- Bobtje Blues, August 12th, 2008

BRIGHT LIGHTS:
The (musical) approach is characterized by artistic shrewdness and good taste. Bright Lights is a fine and solid album, unaffected and competent. Interpretation always full of artistic aptitude and perception.
- Orri Hardarson – - Morgunbladid, 9. aug. 2008