After his sophomore album, 2019’s Grammy-nominated Spectacular Class, positioned the young guitars and blues purists as a leader in the genre’s revival, the follow-up is finally right around the corner. Willis’s long-awaited third LP, West Georgia Blues, is set to be released on August 16, and if the name suggests anything, the album is shaping up to be an ode to the artist’s Southern home state. Just as the world of blues is reaching a fever pitch of excitement, Willis releases the album’s latest single, “A Lift Is All I Need,” and Glide is proud to present the world premiere of the single below.
The sinfully sweet minimalistic ballad features Willis crooning over a Waltz-style piano with palpable fuzz to truly evoke the spirit of blues’ vibrant history. In his signature style, the artist blurs the lines between where he sees the genre going and paying homage to the true Southern roots of blues music. The subtle twang of Willis’ guitar work rounds out the simplistic arrangement, and simplicity seems to be the theme of “A Lift Is All I Need.” The vague poetry employed by Willis is still able to paint vibrant images of a downtrodden hero looking for a slither of hope to keep their motivation intact. This new single follows the three previously released singles, the acoustic vocals of the title track, the subtle honky tonk flavor of “Keep Your Worries On the Dance Floor,” and the haunting romance of “Ghost Woman.”
“This is a song based in Jump Blues and early R&B in the key of F, with a full band and myself only on vocals. The song draws inspiration from Amos Milburn. The tune is meant to motivate you in whatever you are in the mood to be motivated for – whether that’s doing sprints or sitting on a couch with the munchies watching cartoons,” says Willis.
With the release of West Georgia Blues just weeks away, “A Lift Is All I Need” gives us another preview into what is shaping to be a landmark release for Jontavious Willis.
One Response
I hope Cathe has Jontavious on the FROG POND AT BLUE MOON FARM schedule again this Fall or next Spring. He’s a great singer/songwrighter.