The Vancouver Province

 

"Byrnes often has lauded the influence of his native city in previous interviews, but the new record isn’t a dreary travelogue or nostalgia. It’s more expansive and creative than that, and he also rates it his most personal."

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Hittin' The Note

 

"By the close, when Dawson veritably weeps on guitar and Byrnes laments during Lonnie Johnson's "Another Night to Cry," it's quite apparent that this is a must-have album."

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Cashbox

 

"Jim Byrnes is one of those music warriors who has spent nearly half a century in the studio and on the road playing his brand of American roots music. He has now returned with the most unique and personal album."

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Blues Blast

 

"...Jim Byrnes, a musical veteran who, for half a century (his first professional gig was in 1964), has been keeping the blues alive."

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Jazz and Blues Report

 

"An affectionate salute to this home town, Jim Byrnes' "St. Louis Times" delights with his heartfelt, and fresh renditions of some vintage blues and some originals."

 

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No Depression

 

"The twelve tracks are a mixture of songs that were recorded by St. Louis musicians like Chuck Berry, Stump Johnson, Little Milton, and Peetie Wheatstraw, along with several new tunes written by Byrnes that pay tribute to the city of his birth and the music he grew up on."

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About.com

 

"St. Louis Times is a joy to listen to, Byrnes paying tribute to his hometown’s musical heritage as well as his own with a set that displays a wealth of heart and soul."

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New Canadian Music

 

"Add in a strong horn section, masterful production from Dawson and guest turns from John Hammond and Colin James and you have an ace album sure to be in the running at the next awards season."

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Friday Blues Fix

"His latest release pays tribute to the music of his hometown, mixing original songs and classic tunes by artists like Albert King, Chuck Berry, W.C. Handy, Lonnie Johnson, and Little Milton that are associated with St. Louis."

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Michigan Blues Society

"With a voice that evokes comparisons to Delbert McClinton and Taj Mahal with a hint of Louis Armstrong thrown in, Byrnes has no trouble negotiating these various musical styles."

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Barn Owl Blues

"The city (St. Louis) has admittedly not the fame of Chicago, Memphis or New Orleans, but has not been less important in the history of jazz and blues. And this is translated by Jim Byrnes in a great way."

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Exclaim! Magazine

"Juno Award-winning bluesman Jim Byrnes has long been a mainstay of the Canadian blues scene, but he actually grew up in St. Louis. He explores those personal and musical roots on St. Louis Times, an album he terms his most personal yet. This compelling disc reminds us that St. Louis has had a crucial role in American music, so we should be grateful Byrnes wasn't born in, say, Des Moines."

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