Like with most skills, singers can get better with teaching, experience, and practice, but it helps when you start with “the gift”. Jovin Webb has that gift. Lionel Richie said of his voice, “this is what barbeque sauce sounds like.” Luke Bryan said, “I could sit and drink a lot of bourbon listening to that voice.” Following his American Idol Top 10 appearance several years ago, Jovin Webb went back to the blues circuit in Louisiana before landing a multi-album deal with Blind Pig Records.
His debut Drifter will be released on October 18. It’s a strong effort, helmed by multi-Grammy Award winner Tom Hambridge, who has worked with just about everyone in the blues genre, including Buddy Guy. The songs are originals, with the exception of a terrific cover of Albert King’s “Born Under a Bad Sign”. The 50’s rave-up “Wig On Wrong” is a particular highlight with its comical lyrics and Little Richard-style piano and singing. “There is no rock ‘n roll without Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Big Mama Thornton. Not intentionally, but organically that Little Richard sound and style came out,” Webb said, “I’m thankful you can actually hear the influence without me trying. You have to show love for the greats.”
The first single “Bottom of a Bottle” features Webb’s evocative harmonica and some down and dirty guitar riffs. It’s a classic raw barroom confessional and after speaking with Webb, it does not seem fictional. There are definitely times where this sounds like a straight Chicago blues record, but then Webb’s other influences of gospel, country, soul, and southern rock bleed through. This record is an honest document of a man trying to find himself, as he grapples with big subjects like love, religion, drinking, home, and redemption. “I’m a Drifter” and “Save Me”, two singles already released, are confessionals. His voice leaps through the speakers on “Mine Someday”. He cites Otis Redding and Howlin’ Wolf as major influences and the soul, rasp, and power from those singers are evident when listening to Webb. His voice bridges toughness with vulnerability. Chris Stapleton’s singing would be a modern comparison and Webb has covered many of his songs. “To be honest, I haven’t heard somebody bring the blues back like that in a while,” Webb said of Stapleton. “You can call it country, you can call it bluegrass, you can call it whatever. That’s the blues. That’s the blues that man is singing. I appreciate what he does, the passion behind it, and he makes my voice not seem so weird.”
Webb is motivated to make his mark and will undoubtedly open eyes on the blues festival circuit. He will tour Europe in Spring 2025 and will also play dates in the States. “I want to be one of those people talked about for keeping the blues alive and I hope I have something everybody loves.”
Jovin Webb “Bottom of a Bottle”:
Jovin Webb “I’m a Drifter”:
Jovin Webb “The Dirty South”:
Jovin Webb “Whipping Post” (American Idol):
You can SEE Dave Popkin's entire interview with Jovin Webb here.
