JIMMIE VAN ZANT~ Southern Comfort J-Bird Records

The Jimmie Van Zant Band had nothing to do with Ultrasound 2000. The CD arrived in our mail box and soon became an office favorite so we decided to include the review here. Jimmie is indeed part of the southern rock Van Zant dynasty. He is cousin to Ronnie, Donnie and Johnny, the Van Zant brothers who have defined the South’s rock and roll heritage for the last 30 years. He wears his roots proudly.

The CD cover boasts both the rebel flag and an old confederate 500 dollar bill, but it’s what’s inside that really turns up the volume. Get Up, the CD’s kick off track was a result of a Thanksgiving family gathering where Jimmie, Donnie (38. Special) and Johnny (Lynyrd Skynyrd) put their heads together to write the lyrics. It’s full of trademark southern guitar courtesy of Ron Little and Tony Bullard along with a good ol’ party atmosphere.

The style stays consistent through all eight of the album’s selection. Bad Habits, Southern Comfort and Party In The Parking Lot are standard house rockers. Ronnie’s Song is an ode to our long lost friend and Jimmie pays tribute with Simple Man. Angle in the Night lightens it up while Here To Stay goes for the Pure Prairie League crowd.

Website: Jimmie Van Zant Band

Review by Todd Smith http://www.thecutting-edge.net/