Ronnie Wells, Paul Young, Jon Ferrante, Steve Novosel, Reuben Brown , Howard Chichester - Eight Songs by Jess Barnet

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Review by Amelia Dale

Album Review: Eight Songs by Jess Barnet Released in 1971 under J. J. Productions, Eight Songs by Jess Barnet is a jazz gem that deserves more attention than it has garnered over the decades. Featuring Ronnie Wells on vocals and a stellar lineup of musicians—Paul Young, Jon Ferrante, Steve Novosel, Reuben Brown, Howard Chichester, and others—the album captures an intimate yet polished vibe. It’s not groundbreaking in its innovation, but it shines with heartfelt performances and tight musicianship. The standout track for me has to be "Maybe It's Time." This tune hits you right where it counts, thanks to Wells’ warm delivery and Reuben Brown’s understated piano work. There’s this moment halfway through when the tempo slows ever so slightly, as if giving listeners space to breathe. And boy, does it work. You can almost picture a smoky jazz club somewhere in the US during the early '70s, patrons leaning back in their chairs, fully immersed. The lyrics are simple enough, but they carry weight—about moving forward, letting go, all that good stuff. It sticks with you long after the needle lifts. Another track worth mentioning is "Out There Somewhere." What makes this one memorable isn’t just the melody—it’s Howard Chichester’s drumming. He doesn’t overpower; instead, he adds subtle layers that keep things interesting without stealing focus from Wells’ voice. Plus, there’s something hauntingly beautiful about the way the bassline (courtesy of Steve Novosel) anchors the entire piece. Listening to it feels like searching for something intangible, maybe even unattainable, which oddly matches the title perfectly. On paper, this might seem like your typical jazz record, but what sets Eight Songs by Jess Barnet apart is its restraint. Nothing feels forced or overly flashy here. Even Ted Bodnar’s recording job deserves credit—he managed to capture each instrument cleanly while maintaining the raw energy of live performance. That’s rare for albums from this era. Reflecting on this album now, I’m struck by how timeless it feels. Sure, some tracks blend together after multiple listens, but isn’t that true for most jazz records? What really gets me, though, is how little recognition it got outside niche circles. Maybe it was overshadowed by bigger names at the time, or maybe people simply weren’t ready for its quiet charm. Either way, it’s a shame. Oh, and here’s a random thought: If you’re into vinyl hunting, finding a copy of this album could turn into quite the adventure. Just saying.

Table of Contents

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Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
You Could Learn To Love Me
Out There Somewhere
Maybe It's Time
Somewhere In The World
Love Won't Come Again
Are We Ready Now?
A Wealthy Man
If You See My Love

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Catalog Numbers

MM-516

Labels

J. J. Productions

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP

Companies

RoleCompany
Recorded ByEdgewood Recording Studios

Credits

RoleCredit
BassSteve Novosel
DrumsHoward Chichester
PianoReuben Brown
Recorded ByTed Bodnar

Notes

  • Copyright 1971 Jess Barnet/All Rights Reserved
  • A Presentation of J & J Productions, Washington, DC
  • This record appears to be a small run, private press from songwriter Jess Barnet, based in Washington, DC, similar to this release . All songs appear to be written by Jess Barnet, however there is no definitive credit anywhere on either the cover or the label.

About Ronnie Wells, Paul Young, Jon Ferrante, Steve Novosel, Reuben Brown , Howard Chichester

Jazz vocalist

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: The album *Eight Songs by Jess Barnet* is a hidden gem from 1971. It’s a jazz record with a collaborative vibe, featuring talents like Ronnie Wells and Paul Young. What makes it special? Each track feels like a heartfelt conversation, blending smooth piano, steady bass, and soulful vocals. My favorite part? The song "Love Won’t Come Again" — it’s the kind of tune that stays with you long after it ends. Plus, it came out on J.J. Productions, a small U.S. label, giving it that under-the-radar charm. Not many people know about this one, but those who do swear by its timeless sound.