Jovin Webb Drifter (CD)

(Blind Pig Records) 12 tracks, digisleeve

Jovin Webb wowed millions of viewers on American Idol with his bayou charm, humility and unmistakable raspy vocals. Now the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based artist presents his debut album Drifter, produced by multiple Grammy winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, Kingfish). The 12-song collection is a lively mix of growling low-down blues, Jovin's plaintive harmonica, heartfelt soul ballads and raucous Little Richards-style rock 'n' roll.

After hearing Jovin for the first time, R&B superstar Lionel Richie raved: “That's what barbecue sauce sounds like.” Country music star and best-selling author Luke Bryan added: “I could sit down and drink a lot of bourbon while listening to that voice.”

Drifter is the sound of a blues life in search of gospel redemption. 'I'm trying to understand religion, women, my career and everything I've been through,' says Jovin. The twelve tracks on Drifter are reminiscent of blues classicism without ever seeming nostalgic or derivative.