Jackson & The Janks, whose music has now been streamed over one million times, will release their second album Write It Down on June 27 via Jalopy Records. Recorded almost entirely on vintage tape in New Orleans by Jon Atkinson (Kim Wilson, Nora Brown, Henry Gray), the album showcases Jackson Lynch’s originals alongside one classic cover, all delivered with the verve and spirit of Specialty Records’ golden era.
Today the band shares their second single, “Windowsill,” a tongue-in-cheek ballad about doing whatever it takes to bring peace to the ones you love. “‘Windowsill’ is a sweet song about finding where the weed is at for a loved one. More than that, it’s about trying to do what you can to bring the people you love peace,” Lynch explains. HEAR/SHARE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg1Zkjn3VIY
Fomented in New Orleans and now based in Brooklyn, Jackson & The Janks blends rock & roll, classic rhythm & blues, and garage-gospel in arrangements rooted in Crescent City tradition. The lineup features Jackson Lynch on guitar and vocals; Matt Bell (Esther Rose) on lap steel; Craig Flory (Tuba Skinny) on bass saxophone; and Sam Doores (The Deslondes) splitting duties on drums, keys, and backing vocals. The first single, “The Kick,” calls back to a dance learned over Thanksgiving dinner among New Orleans musicians; “Let’s Leave Here” reflects the deserted days of COVID-19 lockdown in NYC; “Beats Me” channels Jackie Wilson; “I Don’t Give Any” jumps off with a horn riff before slinking into a Bo Diddley groove; and their cover of Mamie Perry’s 1959 single “Lament” evokes Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in Janks style. “Riding on a Smile” brings gentle tenderness to close the set.
The band has been spotlighted by GemsOnVHS and tapped by Paste and Western AF for solo sessions, and festival appearances include Brooklyn Folk Fest, Blackpot Festival (LA), SXSW, and two nights at Nashville’s Skinny Dennis alongside The Deslondes. They’re confirmed for Oldtone Roots Music Festival in the Hudson Valley this September.
Brooklyn Folk Fest founding producer Eli Smith notes, “Jackson is steeped in American folk music—from blues and gospel to old-time ballads and traditional Irish tunes. He’s more immersed in the canon than almost anyone I know.”
The Janks will embark on a national tour this summer, beginning with a series of album-release shows in Brooklyn and continuing through the Midwest, Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and Canada, culminating in September at Oldtone. A complete list of dates follows.
Tour Dates
May 2 – Jalopy Tavern, Brooklyn, NY
May 13 – Skinny Dennis, Brooklyn, NY
May 16 – Jalopy Tavern, Brooklyn, NY
May 22 – Double Dragon, Edmonton, AB
May 24 – East Town Get Down, Calgary, AB
May 30 – Jalopy Tavern, Brooklyn, NY
June 13 – Downtown Concert Series, Frankfurt, KY
June 27 – Jalopy Theater (Album Release), Brooklyn, NY
July 2 – Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
July 4 – Raccoon Motel, Davenport, IA
July 6 – House Concert, Eau Claire, WI
July 8 – Hi Dive, Denver, CO
July 9 – Ruffed Up Duck Saloon, Laramie, WY
July 10 – Mint Bar, Sheridan, WY
July 11 – Roly Poly Coffee, Bozeman, MT
July 12 – Pissers Palace, Butte, MT
July 13 – Longstaff House, Missoula, MT
July 14 – Range Rider Bar, Enterprise, OR
July 16 – Shakedown, Bellingham, WA
July 18 – Laurelthirst Pub, Portland, OR
July 19 – House Concert, Albany, CA
July 20 – Synapsis Union, Eureka, CA
September 4–7 – Oldtone Roots Music Festival, Hillsdale, NY
