Debut record from Mighty Joe Belson

Hailing from Northern California, Mighty Joe Belson has quietly been staking his claim as one of the region’s most compelling new musical voices. A bassist and composer with a background in rock n’ roll, Joe has journeyed far beyond his beginnings, exploring a kaleidoscope of genres to express the full spectrum of his sonic vision.

Previously, under the pseudonym Bo Jelson, he explored electronic music while simultaneously, building a reputation as a producer and composer with his jazz ensemble The Doodle Cats. While his rock roots still echo in his energy and approach, his foray into jazz marks a return to the fundamentals of musical storytelling, blending tradition with innovation.

Now, he’s making a bold artistic statement with his debut jazz record, The Doodle Cats: 2020 Blues. Composed during a time of global uncertainty, The Doodle Cats: 2020 Blues is a record that seeks comfort in the past while gesturing toward a brighter future. Taking cues from the golden era of jazz, the album recalls the spirit of icons like Duke Ellington, Horace Silver and Miles Davis, capturing the joy and accessibility that made jazz such a cherished creative language.

Eschewing endless solos and complex structures, the album delivers a straightforward and enjoyable jazz sound, resulting in a record that speaks to both accomplished musicians and casual jazz enthusiasts alike. Recorded and mixed by Reto Peter of Teahouse Studio, Joe Belson’s composition are brought to life alongside pianist Kevin Wong, drummers Sheldon Alexander and Julian Hogan, Kamal G. Mansour and Carl Shultz on tenor sax and trumpeter Richard Benitez III.

Opened by “2020 Blues,” the deep plucks of Joe’s bass is met by the warm flow of sax and bright piano notes backed by brushed drums to form a mellow jazz groove. Written in the depths of one of the darkest and loneliest times in our collective memory, it’s sombre context is offset by a jam built on walking basslines, stunning lead sax dashes and subtly buoyant aesthetic.

“Spring Swing” follows with lively rhythmic bounce as memorable melodic sax leads dance above the playful shuffle of drums, bass and piano backing to craft an upbeat jazz sound that’s sure to put a smile on your face. With “Candlelight Memories,” Joe Belson presents a heartfelt, downtempo ballad that frames the theme of lost love in a delicate outing of hushed sax tones, twinkling piano and soft percussive work.

On “Bel-stones (Doodle Cats Theme Song),” a rapid bass run sets up a bright and energising jam brimming with slick drum rolls and vibrant trumpet pips, capturing Joe Belson’s compositional charm in a fast paced and engaging setting. The humorously titled “Struttin’ With Some Tacos” brings a smooth rhythmic swing capped by bright trumpet lines to serve up a breezy jazz outing that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

The four-second long “The Meaning of Jazz” offers a burst of chords in a light hearted flurry that distils Joe Belson whimsical approach before the final song, “Can’t Buy Happiness” arrived with waltzing rhythms and blissful melodic delight. Throughout the release, Joe Belson and his talented band members offer a fun and easygoing jazz sound, brought to life by enduring composition and superb musicianship to firmly place Mighty Joe Belson on the map of must watch names in the modern jazz sphere.

Listen to The Doodle Cats: 2020 Blues below