JO JO GUNNE: Big Chain

Jo Jo Gunne

Big Chain

© 2005 Jo Jo Gunne (806519520523)

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the orginal jo jo gunne are back featuring jay ferguson, mark andes, matt andes and curly smith.

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JO JO GUNNE RETURNS WITH NEW STUDIO ALBUM "BIG CHAIN" ON BLUE HAND RECORDS.

BIG CHAIN IS THE FIRST ALBUM FROM THE ORINGAL LINE UP
OF THE LOS ANGELES ROCKERS SINCE THEIR DEBUT CLASSIC ON ASYLUM RECORDS IN 1972.

Jo Jo Gunne, one of the best Rock Bands to come out of the L.A. music scene in the early 70's returns with "Big Chain" a powerful performance of 6 new songs and new studio recordings of 8 "Gunner Classics".

The band's line up include bass player Mark Andes, Guitarist Matt Andes, Keyboardist and Vocalist Jay Ferguson and Curly Smith on Drums.

"We always knew the band had unfinished business. Our fans and the band would always talk of a reunion, but personal affairs and business always seemed to get it the way. It was a miracle that everyone was off the road and or available when the date was set"
Says Mark Andes.

Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes formed the band after leaving Spirit, one of the all time favorite innovative LA bands.
"Jo Jo Gunne became known for our strong live performances, much in part to our tight sound and Matt's incredible slide guitar,"
Says Jay Ferguson, he is simply amazing!

The remake of the Band's top 10 single "Run Run Run" is a familiar example of the band's unique sound, with a new "beefed upped" recording that sounds like a "live" version the Jo Jo Gunne fans have been waiting a long time to hear.

The band members have toured and recorded with a lot of Rock n Roll greats, including Heart, Joe Walsh, Firefall, Boston, John Hiatt, Stevie Nicks, John Hammond, Crosby Stills and Nash, John Mellencamp and many many more!!!

reviews

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  • Big Chain
    author: Andrew M. Solomon

    This long awaited(to put it Mildly)great album by Jo Jo Gunne is like the Spirit album we never got. You've got Jay Ferguson and Mark and Matt Andes with a super guitarist. My favorite son is Babylon. If you are a Spirt fan or just a rock n roller pick this one up! I'm hoping the band is still together since this was realeased in 2005. If so I hope they update their website and play live in L.A.! Thank you guys for putting this one out! Andy Solomon, Canoga Park CA.

  • roc-in the casba!!!
    author: O. B. Juan

    just what I needed, thanks for reloading and bringing back some high voltage R&R!!

  • Where is "I wanna love you"?
    author: Drummer Tommy G.

    I am a old fan and found this site just by chance. I thought the Jo Jo Gunne boys were long forgotten by now. I lost most of my 1400 album collection from the 70's long ago and whenever I visit the download sites I try to find a copy of "I wanna love you" , it's never there. It is GREAT to see an offical site and the boys getting back together again. My only dissapointment is "I Wanna Love You" wasn't one of the re-makes. Oh Well, this is great CD anyway. Being a drummer myself and playing in Rock Bands touring all through the 80's, I thought Curlys drums always sounded a little shallow in the originals, nice to hear them Full Sounding on the re-makes. What a nice suprise to find them all together again. Brings back good memories. Tommy G. Minneapolis, MN

  • Funny how you find things
    author: Tom Cockrell

    I ended up buying 2 copies because I was trying to find Curly Smith, thinking that if I found him I could find Jo Jo Gunne, and ended up finding both. I saw Jo Jo Gunne at the Hollywood Bowl in 1972 with Captain Beyond, opening for Alice Cooper - what a treat. Like the new stuff, love the rewash of Run Run Run, but really only like the band because Curly is from Montana. They kind of sound like Spirit, too. Go figure.

  • author: Rat Fink

    Curly needs to hit the drums harder,like he did in JOJO GUUNE first Album...

  • Great CD
    author: Mark Cole

    The CD was here in perfect condition and it sounds great

  • Jo Jo Gunne - Big Chain
    author: Robert Brophy

    Awesome, and I don't care what you think. It's great to hear these guys again. They sound like they're having fun playing the old songs as well as the new ones, and that makes the music that much more enjoyable

  • Great Sound
    author: Tom K

    I bought the 8 track of Jumpin the Gunne in 73 and loved it. I played it til it broke then got the scotch tape out. I bought the LP's and wore them out. I loved the music but was always a little disappointed in the sound quality of the recordings. Now I can listen to Gunne in 2007 fidelity. Thanks and I hope there's more coming. Favorite tune on Big Chain is Academy Award. Sounds dangerous. Thanks again

  • run run run
    author: valerie

    way cool ...like the old days!!!! Far out!!

  • Great to hear real rock &roll than that miserable Rap
    author: J T Phillips

    I was so pleased to see JJG had gotten back together and made this awesome CD Big Chain. I especially liked the new number on this CD, Be careful what you wish for. The remake of my personal favorite Run Run Run was great. I just hope that more CD's from JJG are coming in the future. This talented band is awesome!

  • nice
    author: ronnie v

    songs sound fresh. new ones are cool. just like the old stuff was the soundtrack of my life back then, this new cd will be the soundtrack of my life now. couldn't be happier jjg is back in my life:)

  • Wish there were more new songs
    author: Chris Bonfiglio

    I had no idea that this cd existed, and found it by googling Jo Jo Gunne on a whim. What a suprise.After all this time, I wish there were more new songs, but the redone songs sound terrific, well played and produced. Why only songs from the 1st lp, the others are classics too. How about some more new songs with some redo songs from the other 3 records? How about some shows in NYC!

  • Incredible return of a great group!
    author: sixstringer

    Rarely will I listen to a cd more than once thru before putting it aside awhile to come back to later...or not at all. This one, I had to leave it in the player for many plays. I echo the sentiments of the other reviewers...this is a really fine piece of rock & roll. The singing, the musicianship, the writing and production are excellent. It's a shame so many people will never get to hear this. Sad.

  • Couldn't be happier w/my new Jo Jo Gunne CD. Nothing less than superb!!
    author: Fran from Everett, WA

    It truly is an outstanding CD that they put out. I'm loving every song. Buy it . . . you will too.

  • A Welcome Return
    author: Mike 2

    I saw this band many times during their earrlier existence and always thought they were great. I even recall one set at Winterland opening with Curly Smith in a gorialla suit doing a drum solo...to start the set! What set them apart from the other hard rockers of the day was Jay's piano playing. It was a trademark. I only regret that they are remebered as a "boogie" band...horseshit! Anyway... the new disc is very good. I have to admit liking the remakes a bit better than the newer material but the new tunes may still grown on me. Unfortunately, it is now 6/06 and it looks like this was rteleased last year (not sure). Does this mean its all over and there's no chance to see them live???? Matt Andes is a great slide player.

  • I loved it. It was better than i expected.I realy liked the new recoding of the
    author: Peter from SWEDEN.

    It was better than i ever could imagine. Especialy the new recordings of the old songs.I hope there will be more to come.

  • It's About Time and even better..JO JO Gunne still has the rock&roll spirit..
    author: JHendrix

    I bought the C.D.I recommend all gunners buy this one. Great comeback Curly,Jay,Mark,& Mat..Let us know when your coming to Corpus Christi,Texas

  • Glad this great band is together again!
    author: Perry Baker

    If you liked Jo Jo Gunne from the '70s you will not be disapointed in this CD. Many of the songs are remakes from thier first album only done even better than the original. You can't say that about most remakes. Lots of great slide guitar and Jay Ferguson is singing better than ever. There are several fine new tunes as well. All and all it sounds like they never broke up. Highly recommended!

  • Jay Ferguson proves from the first track “Be Careful What You Wish For,” that he
    author: Jessie Lilley, Editor, Mondo Cult

    The last Jo Jo Gunne album was "So… Where’s The Show?" in 1974. I admit I was surprised to learn that a new one was coming out lo these 31 years later. When queried about this, Jay chuckled and said, “Well, everyone else is doing it, so why not?” The thing is, although everyone else is doing it, many of them aren’t all that exciting. Jay, the Andes brothers Mark and Matt and Curly Smith haven’t lost a beat in all these years. 14 tracks encompassing life as we know it, including “Shake That Fat,” the jaded “Academy Award” and my personal favorite, “Cheap Shot” make this album stand out in the way I find The Stones’ A Bigger Bang to be a cut above. It doesn’t take you back so much as it moves along with you. The consumer is not the only one in this deal who has aged and views the world with a slightly more jaundiced eye—the artists have as well, as their music proves, and that boys and girls is why they are the artists and we humble creatures, merely sit and listen and murmur “thank you.” —Jessie Lilley

  • Damn Great, I bought it twice!
    author: sanford hampton

    It was so damn good, I bought it again!

  • Absolutely awesome, best CD of all of their careers!! A must!
    author: Sanford Hampton

    The best CD they ever did before, during and after. There is absolutely no reason this CD couldn't shoot up to the Top Ten. Just simply pheonomenal! Good job, go on tour and kick ass again! Very refreshing. THANKS!

  • Everything's perfect on the greatest comeback I've had the pleasure to witness .
    author: Mark Campbell

    The Gunne has always been at the top of my faves list , and here they are , back to feed the fire . Thanks guys . The new songs are great - what you would expect , piano driven , slide guitar rich , and that familiar hit single lead vocal . 'Perfect Everything' and 'Cheap Shot' are two of my favorites , and I appreciate the music biz references in 'Making the Sparks Fly' . It reminds me lyrically of a song from Jay's solo career in which he made references to several Spirit and JJG songs . The remakes are most of the same songs I would choose for a JJG tribute act or recorded covers . They obviously have a blast playing them , and I love the evolution of the arrangements , seasoned players shine - one difference is in the digital medium ; everything is so crystal clear , which was not always the case in the original analog technology . I thought there were lyric changes , but it could be that they're just more audible this time . Always an influence and inspiration ; please hit us with another one real soon , and I hope to see you guys play here in Austin real soon . Cheers , Mark

  • author: mark singer

    great record.jo jo gunne are better than ever. incredible drum sound vocals are sensational. i am glad there back, buy it!

  • Excellent
    author: Lyndon

    Its so refreshing hearing the band tearing into their old numbers with panache and enthusiam after 30 years, special mention must go to Mathew Andes brilliant slide guitar and playing. The new numbers have still got their distinctive Jo Jo Gunne feel and add to what is a thoroughly enjoyable album. Lets hope its not another 30 years before the next one and they come over to Britain to play a few gigs.

  • Great Band Still!
    author: Tom Willis

    My favoite rock and roll band, After several listens I just keep playing it again and again. The new arrangements are good the new songs are starting to catch on with me and I seem be humming Before You Get Your Breakfast all the time. The long wait was worth it!

  • It's about time!!!!
    author: David from Richmond, VA

    For many years, I've kept my first JJG album. Within the last year I finally bought their first release on CD. I've been patiently and anxiously awaiting the new release. It is now here! I echo all the sentiments from the other reviewers. All I can say is DITTO and I'll raise you by 10! I know that JJG isn't a band that the general public knows (like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.), but it is now their time and we should let the world know who these guys are. If you tell two people, and they tell two people...well, you get my drift, it will be a BIG CHAIN!! JJG, thanks for the remake of the old stuff and for some great new material too. You rock!

  • Worth the Wait!
    author: Nick

    Man oh man oh man!!!!!I was so psyched to read last summer that a new cd was coming, and to say it exceeded my expectations amazes even me, but it sure did! God, I LOVE this new album!!! If you thought this was just going to be a go-through-the-motions, let's-make-some-quick-dough effort, you're dead wrong. The remakes of their old stuff sound so upbeat and energized that you can tell they just had a blast getting together again and reliving the past. Run, Run, Run, Shake That Fat and Barstow Blue Eyes are wonderful again, even more rockin' and up-tempo than before, but ironically, it's the old stuff that is the weakest part of the album...Why? Because the new stuff is so INCREDIBLE!!! You are gonna love Be Careful What You Wish For, Cheap Shot and Gravy Train are funny, easy-humor tunes, Making The Sparks Fly could easily have been on their "Jumpin' The Gunne" album 32 years ago, and I promise you, you will listen to Garagedonia exactly once before it will be at full volume every time you play this disc! Thank you so much, JJG, but please, don't make this a once and done- let's have another!!!!!

  • author: Jon 0'Rourke

    Great CD from the Gunne. Shorely one of the best and most underated RnR bands of all time. If you haven't bought this CD yet do yourself a large favor and buy it. The only thing that could be better is to see them live. Jon from down under.

  • Worth the wait!
    author: gtoguy

    Take four exceptional straight-ahead rockers, throw them in a pot, simmer carefully for 33 years and, viola! Big Chain. It's fun to listen to the reworked versions of our old favorites, plus hear the boys rock out with new material. Great social commentary in Garagedonia, and yes, Run,Run,Run still kicks major A**! Great job! Tour dates???

  • author: Mike

    A welcome return for the mighty Gunners.Excellent updated versions of a number of the classic tracks and a haunting version of 'Flying Home'.Fergusons lyrical dexterity stands out.

  • An Absolute Rush !!!!
    author: Greg in Virginia

    An Absolute Rush !!!! I never thought my all-time favorite good-time-party-rock-and-roll band would get back together, but here they are. Hearing Jay ferguson's voice is like talking to an old friend - and finding that they've done well !! Jay is in fine form - I wondered if he still had the voice for that kind of hard rock and roll... so many rock greats have lost it ( have you heard Robert Plant or Boston's Brad Delp lately, to name a sad, sad few ? ) in the march of time. But he still gets to that place, and it's unmistakable who's doing the singing! Also, I gotta say, what a cool, cool suprise that Curly Smith's vocals sounded so great on his songs as well ( not to mention the thunderbolt drumming I expected from this guy )- actually, that's not such a great suprise. Jo Jo Gunne's harmonies were always kick-ass, and you need to have great vocals all around to pull off the California harmony thing like they do. And how about those Andes boys, Ladies and Gentlemen?!?! I remember how disapointed I was when Mark stepped out after that incredible, magical first album. It's so great to see them all together again. He sounds like he's home where he belongs now! As for Matt - well, he's just showing off - proving he's one of the most kick-ass, underated rock and roll guitarists ever. BUT - - I gotta be greedy - - we neeed a tour now, or if that's not possible, at least some sort of Video record of this on a DVD. I know that somewhere in this world, there is old video and movies archived of these guys playing as Jo Jo Gunne, and in their other projects. I would LOVE to see a rockumentary on these guys ! 'glad they're back - Greg in Virginia

  • Love It! - Buy It!
    author: OZ Fan

    What a great CD - big phat sound - Matt Andes proves once again he one of the best slide guitarists on the map. Love the new stuff.

  • RAWKS
    author: Stevie Ray

    Excellent - beyond expectations. Straight ahead power rock that brings back the memories and new ones. 14 songs of what I call "Full Throttle Thunder Rock"....

  • Awesome... Simply Awesome!! Long Overdue!!
    author: Larry Rosenberg

    Big Chain once again shows that some rockers never die or "rust". Jo Jo Gunne once again proves that they can rock with the best of them. Being a big Jo Jo Gunne fan since the 70's, it is simply great to see that they still know how to create great, interesting, and very listenable rock and roll. Jay Ferguson and the boys do it again!! Finally, something worth listening to. (we all needed this)Very refreshing. Hope a DVD and a tour follow. Long live the Gunne!!!

  • Great stuff...long time coming
    author: NY Jake

    Just a great CD...these guys can still rock. "Perfect Everything" is a great song along with the other new tracks. Remakes are nicely arranged although don't have the "bite" the originals had. Lets hope for another cd of mostly original's and fewer remakes !

  • SUPERB
    author: Steve

    Have been a big JJG fan as well as a Jay Ferguson Fan since I picked up "All Alone in the End Zone" and worked backwards to JoJo Gunne. Phenominal record guys and if you decide to tour - please make sure Philadelphia PA is on your list. A must for all fans of great (and not saturated) 70's RAWK...

  • Return of Jo Jo Gunne
    author: Kevin Billig

    Jo Jo Gunne's first studio album release in over 30 years caught me by surprise. Sure enough it rocks and is enjoyable from start to finish BUT i was hoping for all new originals. Do they cover the old ones to perfection? Of course they do so i guess i'm being a little bit fussy.

  • First Rate Rock
    author: JFD

    Jo Jo Gunne`s reunion CD is a refreshing album of first rate melodic rock. Discs this solid are few and far between. Every cut is good. The eight old songs are given new engaging arrangements and the six new songs feature outstanding lyrics. The musicianship is excellent throughout and the sound is superb. Anyone with a taste for fine rock n` roll should pick up this CD.

  • author: Mark Edwards

    This is a quality CD.Not just for Jo Jo Gunne fans. This is up to date rock and retro 70s blended to make a good sound. New tracks are superb Jay Ferguson's stamp all over them.If you considering buying it do not hesitate you will not be disappointed.

  • Get this, and pray they tour.
    author: PLDRG

    Good stuff, a must for fans. Jay's voice is killer, lyrics on the new ones insightful. Matt's slide feels good with a touch of maturity. Still like the old songs better but......So happy they did this and hope they do more. Hey Gunne, PLEASE TOUR this thing and come to central Ohio!!

  • It's like they never left
    author: Carl Blank

    Great CD. The songs have power and style. New versions of old songs bring back memories and add new ones. New songs continue the feeling. Thank You.

  • Classic JoJo Gunne,
    author: fastfreight

    It doesn't get any better. JoJo Gunne picks up where they left off.I hope there is a tour.

  • Shake that Fat...all over again!
    author: Mark Tippery

    Only waited 33 years for this cd and it was well worth it. The original line up mixes the new with the old to create an excellent rock effort. Jay's songwriting still shines and the technology available today presents a full sound, excellent guitar work and clarity of the lyrics. The cd reaches a crescendo on the last five classic Jo Jo Gunne tracks. My favorite new track is Garagedonia- a telling editorial regarding today's society. While most old rockers are in the grave, Jo Jo Gunne is heaven on earth! Thanks guys, you made my rock & roll dream come true.

  • An AWESOME record!!!
    author: James Briggs - JADE REDD

    This is an incredible record, each song is fresh and cool and the production is brilliant. I especially love "Be Careful What you Wish For" and "Babylon". Great job guys!!!

  • It's about time fellas...................
    author: Dave Brusco

    Just when I thought no one in Billings has ever heard of Jo Jo Gunne, here comes a new, awesome offering from my favorite classic rock band of all time. Wanna hear some good ole fashioned boogie/party rock? Crank this cd up folks...plus new versions of 99 days, run,run,run and shake that fat???whoa...........

  • So Where Is The Tour??
    author: J. Garvin

    Ok fellas. You took an element of risk to get together to jam...let alone record. You discovered, as we have, that JJG is still a solid force even though you've had us rocking in the shadows for way too long. So when are you going on the road? This CD should open some fresh ears to what real crankin' tunes sound...and feel...like. So pack it up...come visit our rock and roll starved towns...and make us happy again. To your families who may cringe at the idea of touring...we've missed them for over two decades. Can you blame us?

  • nice to hear fun rock & roll than depressing grunge & rap!!!
    author: gary saville

    the best rock & roll band ever just released the best produced c.d. in their history. each member of jjg plays and sings their hearts out on this one. the new songs are very refreshing; especially in these depressing times of untalented britney spears and rap clones that never paid their dues or learned how to play instruments or write songs! long live jjg!!! thanks, guys now promote the hell out of this masterpiece!!! p.s. i found the wingnut!!!

  • As good as I remember them!
    author: Jim Rice

    One of my favorite bands in the 70s and listening to this CD it sounds like yesterday and today all at once. The band is as good as they once were and yet sound updated and current. Vastly underrated back then - don't miss out on them this time around!

  • Garnering Respect
    author: CHINASKI

    The first thing that must be said is that Jo Jo Gunne needs to get much more respect than it gets. Great production, great songs, and a great flow, moving from strength to strength. This is a Hard rockin' CD that needs to be had by any 70's rock fan.

  • jo jo gunne -we missed you
    author: james hawk

    I have grown up with JJG and was sad when they disbanded. the original lineup is back and back in a big way. I really enjoyed the music on this cd and the slide guitar work is exceptional. the lyrics are fun and hook laden. if you knew the band then and loved them --you will be pleasently surprised with how they have stayed consisent and matured in the return of JJG.

  • Wow - Finally here and way beyond expectations
    author: Ric LuBell

    I already have the CD on order, but I couldn't wait for it so I played the clips on CD Baby... it's a fine piece of work and I can't wait to hear more than 2 minutes a song. The band has put out one terrific bit of rock and roll here. Matt's guitar as solid and poignant as ever, Mark's bass solid all the way (what, you would expect less?), Curly still has that solid rhythm sense that makes his drumming so appealing, and Jay's piano and vocals ... well what can you say, it's a whole lot better than earthworms, Jay... The reworked material sounds, in many cases, better than the original, although I found myself singing parts from the original versions that were creatively replaced in the new ones... guess I've just heard them all SO MANY TIMES... And the new songs retain the JJG feel while branching out in new directions at the same time. I've waited a whole long time for it to come out, and they did not disappoint one bit. Well done, guys...

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