Article Contributed by Doug Deutsch
Published on October 19, 2025
Blues bassist, vocalist, and songwriter James “JB” Barnes returns with My Mississippi Roots, a deeply personal and groove-rich collection honoring his family’s Southern lineage and lifelong devotion to the blues. The album bridges generations, tracing Barnes’s ancestral ties from Mississippi to the industrial North, while celebrating the resilience, love, and rhythm that define the blues tradition.
“When I listen to My Mississippi Roots, you can tell we had fun and enjoyed what we were doing. There’s something for everybody—blues-rock, soul, and a soulful emotional roller coaster ride—from traditional blues to ‘70s rock in the vein of Hendrix to retro soul. There’s a common thread throughout, and that’s the blues.”
— Anthony Krizan, Musician/Producer
James “JB” Barnes: Mississippi Roots, Northern Branches
James “JB” Barnes carries the blues in his blood. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Jersey, JB’s lineage traces back to Mississippi—the wellspring of the blues. Those roots became the bedrock of his artistry and his devotion to the genre.
Honored by the New Jersey Blues Hall of Fame in 2016 as a “Great Blues Artist,” JB has long been a fixture on the East Coast scene. His band, BBD Rhythm & Blues, founded in 2012, has performed across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. His debut JB’s Favorite Things (2023) established him as an independent artist with a genuine voice and mission: to honor the artists who came before while keeping the blues alive today.
The Album: My Mississippi Roots
Produced by guitarist and songwriter Anthony Krizan, with additional production by JB’s son Jarred “Arktkt” Barnes, My Mississippi Roots is more than a record—it’s a testimony. The title track tells the story of JB’s father, Jerry Lee Barnes Sr., who left the South in search of a better life. “His Mississippi roots,” JB says, “are my Mississippi roots.”
The album’s eleven tracks traverse the landscape of blues and beyond—from the introspective ache of “Gotta Make a Change” to the celebratory groove of “The JB Shuffle,” the social bite of “When Did Crime Become Legal,” and heartfelt covers like “Sara Smile,” “Wild Horses,” and “Lonesome Stranger.” Krizan co-wrote several originals and provides impassioned guitar work throughout, blending tradition with fresh fire.
Closing with the uplifting “Stand Up and Give Peace & Love a Chance,” JB’s mission rings clear: honor the roots, grow the branches.
Album Credits
Track Highlights
Connect with James “JB” Barnes
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Email: ellis.barnes1977@gmail.com
