MUSIC NEWS MAGAZINE (November 2009)
by Steve Rangel
JB BARNETT “The Getaway EP”
"JB Barnett’s excellent lyrics are filled with contradictions, so I’ll use one to describe his voice: He sounds like everyone, and he sounds like no one. One listen and you’ll find yourself thinking “I’ve heard this guy before. Who does he sound like?” Ponder the question a bit longer and you realize: he sounds like JB Barnett.
“The Getaway EP” is a seven song offering from one of the most promisingsinger-songwriters you’ll find in Houston or anywhere else. Barnett’s soothing voice is so comfortable you’ll swear you’ve been listening to him for years. He’s an old soul storyteller, a genuine artist with an impressive gift for expression.
The album’s opener, “The Getaway”, is a great acoustic rocker that is a fine example of the almost immeasurable lyrical sophistication that you’ll find on the entire CD. “Follow Me” is a bit more upbeat, accentuated by more percussion and an exquisite arrangement.
And while most of the songs are enhanced by smart, tasteful harmonies, the gorgeous vocal layering on “Not About A Girl” is particularly noteworthy. Although numerous influences are evident in Barnett’s warm delivery, the most obvious to me are Gordon Lightfoot and Don Henley. But he takes a more Jim Croce-style turn with “City Lights”, a beautiful, homesick ballad that threatens to steal the whole show (no easy task here).
This is an effort that definitely leaves you wanting more. Do yourself a favor and get to know JB Barnett. You’ll swear you’ve met him somewhere before…"
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