The Soul Of John Black’s “Soul Salvation” To Be Released By Yellow Dog Records: october 10th

​The Soul Of John Black’s “Soul Salvation” To Be Released By Yellow Dog Records: october 10th

Acclaimed musical wayfinder John "JB" Bigham charts a course back to the essence of soulblues on his most personal album yet

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​The Soul of John Blackreturns withSoul Salvation, ten groove-laden tracks that illuminate the path toroots redemption. John "JB" Bigham's latest offering stands as a musical mission to revitalize the traditions that shaped American music while lighting the way forward for soul blues.

"I wanted to do something that leaned into the traditions of the early R&B and blues," Bigham explains."This music might take you back home.

"The album emerged from Bigham's deep connection to these traditions, inspiring him to create something that preserves traditional R&B and blues elements while melding vintage soul with contemporary vision.Born and raised in Chicago's South Side by parents from Georgia and Tennessee, Bigham's love for the music began early with family stories about blues legends like Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters. "It was ingrained inme: stories about the blues and the history of my family. Chicago was a Blues Mecca -- it was a natural partof me.

"JB's impressive musical journey includes writing songs for Miles Davis and playing percussion in the Davis group, with his composition "Jilli" featured on Amandla, the trumpeter's last studio album. He contributed eight years to pioneering ska-funk-rock band Fishbone, and has toured and recorded with Dr. Dré,Eminem, Nikka Costa, and Everlast.

Soul Salvation unfolds like a masterfully paced live set, starting with the ambient-tinged blues of opener"Begging You Baby" – Bigham's ode to the blues that incorporates modern sonic elements while maintaining traditional instrumentation. The album progresses through the storytelling of "Georgia Peaches" (influenced by Johnny Taylor's narrative style), the Memphis soul of "Take Your Time" (reflecting classic Stax Recordsproductions), and peaks with "That Thang," the album's New Orleans party anthem. "That's my Mardi Grasmoment," Bigham says. "We've been ramping up to a moment where it's just an all out Mardi Gras party.

"The album's symbolic cover art features a glowing "salvation" marquee inspired by signage inside LA'sSilver Lake Lounge and a four-pointed star motif that Bigham drew as a child. The four-pointed star serves ascompass and beacon, representing guidance and a connection to his musical heritage. "This star is like myguide back home. It's the North Star," he reflects.

From the reflective "Get Closer" through the soul ballad showcase "The First Time" to the feel-good closer "Saving It All for You," the album captures Bigham's most personal and grounded work yet. All vocals and instruments were recorded and played byJohn Arthur Bighamat JB's Black Box in Los Angeles, with drums by Oliver Charlesand additional background vocals by Christine Rosander. The album was produced by Bigham, mixed by Richard "Segal" Hurediaat Casa de Sunburst, and mastered by RobertHadley.

​Soul Salvation follows The Soul of John Black's critically acclaimed catalog that has earned praise from Rolling Stone ("amazing... a whole new brand of soul"), The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR,with nominations from the Blues Music Awards and Independent Music Awards. Embracing his musical lineage while incorporating contemporary influences, Bigham has created a fresh take on traditional sounds that both preserves the past and lights the way forward.

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About John Arthur Bigham (The Soul of John Black):
John Arthur "JB" Bigham, known as The Soul of John Black, is an award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer deeply rooted in soul blues tradition filtered through contemporary vision. Born and raised in Chicago's South Side by parents from Georgia and Tennessee, Bigham's love for the music began early with family stories about blues legends like Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters. "It was ingrained in me: stories about the blues and the history of my family. Chicago was a Blues Mecca--it was a natural part of me."His impressive musical journey includes writing songs for Miles Davis and playing percussion in the Davis group, plus eight years with pioneering ska-funk-rock band Fishbone contributing to landmark albums.Embracing this musical lineage while incorporating contemporary hip-hop, funk, and soul influences, Bigham emerged as The Soul of John Black to create a fresh take on traditional sounds. His work has received critical praise from Blues Revue("If the blues is to survive and flourish for future generations, itwill be because of artists like John 'J.B.' Bigham"),Rolling Stone, and NPR, earning nominations from the Blues Music Awards and Independent Music Awards. Session work with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Nikka Costa showcases his versatility, but his latest album Soul Salvation represents a homecoming to the soul blues traditions that shaped him.

​​The Soul of John Black,Soul Salvation:

1.Begging You Baby
2.Georgia Peaches
3.Take Your Time
4.Come and Get It
5.Been Gone Too Long
6.That Thang
7.Right Now
8.Get Closer
9.The First Time
10.Saving It All for You

All vocals and instruments recorded and played by
John Arthur Bigham at JB’s Black Box, Los Angeles Except drums by Oliver Charles,
recorded by Rebecca Schlappich Charles at Little Lake Sound Studio, Los Angeles
Additional background vocals by Christine Rosander
All songs by John A. Bigham (Big Slamm Music / ASCAP)
Produced by John Arthur Bigham Mixed by Richard "Segal" Huredia at Casa de Sunburst, Southern CA
​Mastered by Robert Hadley