Soul-Baring and Raw: Jovin Webb’s debut album 'Drifter' set for October 18th release
21 August 2024
Newsdesk
Five years ago, Jovin Webb stood at a crossroads. Despite being a lifelong musician with deep Louisiana roots, his dream of a music career felt more elusive than ever. But that all changed when Webb’s raw talent and unmistakable gravelly voice earned him a spot in the top 10 of American Idol’s 18th season, captivating millions with his bayou mystique and soulful sound.
Now, with his long-awaited debut album Drifter set for release on October 18th via Blind Pig Records, Webb is taking center stage once again, ready to reintroduce the world to his unique blend of blues, soul, and Southern rock.
To kick off the excitement surrounding Drifter, Webb has unveiled the album’s first single, “Bottom of a Bottle”—a raw and electrifying blues anthem that hits with the force of a barroom confessional.
Gritty and soulful, the track features Webb’s signature gravelly vocals delivering a powerful narrative of life’s darker moments, all set against a backdrop of deep Louisiana blues. The song perfectly sets the stage for the album’s deeply personal themes, offering listeners a first taste of the emotional journey to come. “Bottom of a Bottle” is now streaming on all platforms, accompanied by a striking new music video.
"I could sit and drink a lot of bourbon listening to that voice" — Luke Bryan
?"This is what barbecue sauce sounds like" — Lionel Richie
Produced by multi-Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge (known for his work with Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), Drifter offers a vibrant mix of growling blues, soulful ballads, and Southern rock. The 12-track collection features Webb’s wailing harmonica, Little Richard-style rock ‘n’ roll, and heartfelt storytelling, all while drawing inspiration from the trials and tribulations of his personal journey.
“Drifter is the sound of a blues life searching for gospel redemption,” Jovin shares. “It’s me trying to figure out religion, women, my career, and everything I’ve gone through.”
A tough and tuneful Chicago-style blues number played with a behind-the-beat Crescent City shuffle, the first single, “Bottom of a Bottle,” uses barroom preacher poetics to capture the grit of hardscrabble Louisiana living. Webb’s gravelly voice shines as he sings: Hold me, taste me, squeeze me/I’ll keep you company/Forget about that woman/I can set you free/Take a shot for my troubles/Take a shot for pain/At the bottom of a bottle/I’ll wash your sins down the drain.
“It’s about those moments of hitting rock bottom and finding solace where you can, even if it’s in the bottom of a bottle,” Webb shares. “The blues has always been about feeling deeply, and this track really embodies that.”
Drifter reflects Webb’s personal journey, deeply influenced by the Southern Black Baptist church music that shaped his early years and the blues that later called him during his trials. “I soon realized that gospel and blues are related,” Webb shares. “Someone with the blues is in a low place, and when you seek salvation, you’re also usually in a low place.”
Drifter showcases Webb’s soulful blues authenticity, honed from years of performing from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, and brought to life in the studio by some of Nashville’s top musicians. The album also features Webb on harmonica and includes a surprise cover of the blues classic “Born Under a Bad Sign.”
As Webb prepares for a busy tour schedule across Europe and the U.S., Drifter promises to be the defining statement of his career thus far—a testament to his perseverance and dedication to his craft.
Drifter by Jovin Webb 1. Bottom of a Bottle 2. Save Me 3. I’m a Drifter 4. Drunk on Your Love 5. Wig on Wrong 6. Livin’ Reckless 7. Blues for a Reason 8. Mine Someday 9. Hand on the Bible 10. Bad Deeds 11. It’s the Hawk 12. Born Under a Bad Sign
