JESSE ROPER - Way Down In The Valley

In the generation that's renewing the sound of the most American genres (rooted in blues, but open to country, southern rock, funk and soul contaminations – think of Sonny Gullage, Elles Bailey, Sam Morrow, Robert Randolph, The Main Squeeze – the Canadian Jesse Roper (Victoria, 1982) has carved out his own space, thanks above all to two factors: the explosiveness and charisma he gives off in his live performances (despite a character described as shy and reserved) and his ability to craft catchy melodies and arrangements, even within rougher, more jagged genres.

"Way Down In The Valley" is his fourth album; it arrives three years after the previous "Horizons" and was preceded by no fewer than 9 singles out of 13 tracks total; so there's very little left to discover, but the album is still an opportunity to get an overall picture of what's going on down there in the valley.

Against the backdrop of North America's majestic natural landscape, Roper's lyrics deal mostly with love and relationships; breakups, passions, hopes and disappointments alternate, with a certain degree of detachment and irony. Take "Make It All Work Out", a light, serene blues track, as serene as the parting between the two lovers, albeit with the hope that they might meet again. "Roll This Stone" is edgier, with its cadenced groove and call-and-response vocals, which together with "Chained" mark the furthest reach of the record's country and bluegrass contamination. "True Lovin' Ain't Easy" is the complete opposite, a joyful, optimistic romp, perfect for live performance and audience singalongs. Its younger sibling is "Why Do Ya", with its rock'n'roll drive.

A special mention goes to “Georgia Train”, one of the album's finest tracks and among the most well-received singles; a small showcase of the versatility to be found within blues, blending it with rock and paying close attention to melody and arrangements. The album closes with the pairing of the funky “Trash Can” and the carefree “Danger”, which reaffirms the joy running through this work. “Way Down In The Valley” is indeed a sun-drenched album that confirms the core qualities of its author and performer. Compared to his previous work, there's a palpable wave of optimism and jovial irony, both in the lyrics and in the music; but above all, this is the album of a musician who knows – and absolutely loves – what he does.

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01/12/2025