Jontavious Willis comes to NL in February to promote his new release "West Georgia Blues"

Joyous and resonant, Jontavious Willis’ third album is an invitation to everyone out there—whether Blues aficionado or just passing through the genre—to connect with the very universal emotions captured through the Blues. Entirely self-produced, West Georgia Blues
comprises fifteen original songs that tackle time-honored themes from heartbreak and loneliness to celebration and self-discovery. Jontavious underscores the versatility of this genre and its enduring relevance today with humor and authenticity.

An ambassador to the Blues, Jontavious welcomes us to his world in the first of two bookend tracks, “West Georgia Blues.” The eponymous song is sung by three West Georgia musicians in a jubilee style, coloring a vivid picture of Jontavious’ home state with all of its traditions and history. Many of the songs that follow, including “Broken Hearted Moan” and “Too Close to the Finishing Line,” draw inspiration from numerous Blues legends such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tampa Red, and Muddy Waters, among others.

In “Rough Time Blues,” Jontavious addresses hardship and struggle head on, while “Ghost Woman” features accompaniment by a double bass in a haunting tale of love and loss. With clever lyrics and toe-tapping beats, “Earthworm Basement Blues” and “Squirrlin’ Mama” are
Jontavious at his most playful and carefree. “Keep Your Worries on the Dance Floor” takes a four piece band to deliver a powerful, uplifting
message of motivation. Like “Lula Mae,” this song channels the lively “rent parties” and “juke joints” of yesteryear and encourages us all to dance and find happiness—no matter the situation. The final tune and the second of the two bookend songs, “Jontavious’ West Georgia
Grind” unifies the album around these themes of joy, connection, and dance.

West Georgia Blues represents the many facets of the Blues as well as Jontavious’ own evolution as an artist and performer. Jontavious engages with the past, present, and future of the genre—all the while inspiring us to groove and let loose. The album is due out in August and with it Jontavious Willis comes to NL for some shows:

05/02: Groningen, NL - Der Aa-Theater
06/02: Middelburg, NL - De Spot
07/02: Haarlem, NL - Patronaat