MoMojo Records signs James "Jabo" Houston

LANCASTER, Pa. - June 16, 2023 - PRLog -- Having grown up on the streets of Austin, Texas' East Side literally surrounded by the blues, James "Jabo" Houston proudly shares his debut album at age 78! A self-taught drummer and bassist-turned-keyboard player, Jabo displays his blues philosophy on every track: "You've got to feel it. Don't just play it." Jabo Blues was conceived and produced by guitarist Jack Edery and recorded at the studio of drummer Nico Leophonte (Bo Diddley, The Fabulous T-Birds), documenting the legacy of one of the remaining elder statesmen of the East Austin blues scene, along with compadres Roy Lee Crawford (vocals) and Bobby Terrell (saxophone).

Born in Elgin, Texas on July 18, 1944, Jabo's early years were spent exploring the streets of Austin's East Side while his mama managed a beer joint. It was listening to the 45's from the jukebox at the beer joint that ultimately inspired Jabo's blues pursuits. "The blues just came out of me," he says. During that time, his mother bought him his first drum kit and he got a gig playing drums for T.D. Bell, one of the best in the Austin blues scene. In addition to drums, Jabo picked up the bass and learned to play it on the job. His first band, Chef Houston and the Cooks, started playing at Cheatham Street. Later, his band name changed to "The Ol' Dogs," a name that he proudly carries today. Over the years, he played bass for T.D. Bell, Hosea Hargrove, Blues Boy Hubbard and GRAMMY winner Pinetop Perkins, who loved the authentic old style he played. Five years ago, back surgery put Jabo in a wheelchair, and today he plays organ in the band, saving his bass playing for the lesser physical demands of a church gig on Sundays.

"It is truly a joy to work with Jabo," says MoMojo Records president, Sallie Bengtson. "When we first spoke, his enthusiasm for this opportunity was palpable. After 78 years, the worldwide blues community will know his name and his music. Special gratitude to Jack Edery for the vision to produce this historic project and to provide Jabo with this well-deserved recognition."

"When I heard and felt the authenticity and cadence in Jabo 's voice I was compelled and inspired to take on this project," says producer Jack Edery. "My same feeling goes out to Roy Lee Crawford and Sax Man Bobby Terrell, who add to the depth, magic and sweetness of this record.  And I thank Sallie Bengtson for her mutual appreciation of these Ol' Dogs."

"It's nice to hear classic bluesmen at their craft. Without the urging by his band mates,  I doubt any of us outside of Austin would have heard of Jabo." ~ Blues Blast Magazine

Jabo Blues is available here: https://lnk.to/JABObluesPR