Bluestown Music Review
“When you think you have reasonably estimated the album, you will be surprised at the end with a wonderfully infectious gospel song, including organ and choir. A very fine ending to an album that can call itself more than successful.
With two studio records under their arms and a live album, the gentlemen are making good progress and it sounds like there is still plenty to come. Keep following.”
John The Rock Doctor of Hotwax
“OVER THE PAIN Orphan Jon & The Abandoned (Vintage LaNell Records) *****
Over The Pain is hard, greasy guitar driven boogie ‘n’ blues that, I dare say, belongs in every rock & roller’s collection.
If you’re into bands like Skynyrd or Too Slim & The Taildraggers then Orphan Jon & The Abandoned are most definitely speaking your language. At the end of the day Over The Pain satisfies my lust for guitar driven rock & roll and also addresses my love for all things blue; this disc is a perfect storm. It’s also one of the best things I’ve heard in a year filled with amazing music.”
ZicaZic French Blues Magazine
“Here’s a fucking good band that won’t have the slightest difficulty in bringing back into its fold those that the big guitars make vibrate, but also those that a well-balanced groove invariably makes tap their feet! Spread the word …”
Dutch Radio Roots Time
“They capture the essence of what American music is all about…
With opener “Tight Dress” OJATA immediately kicks open doors with a tight uplifting rocker including great guitar work by Greene. With “She” they knit a suitable sequel, and then provide a nice calm intermezzo with the title song [Over The Pain](with Rebecca Aguilar as guest vocalist). With “Got No Name (for Amy Marie)”, “Livin’ My Life” and “Somewhere Salvation” they further emphasize their qualities as a rock band in different shades, followed by the acoustic version of “Redheaded Woman Blues” where they meticulously turn the helm. After the hypnotic “Everyone Knows” the door is opened for the closing with “Memories of Me and You”. On the gospel-like “There’s No Need” he can count on pianist Mike Malone, who neatly provides background vocals with Michael Leasure and Rebecca Aguilar.
Over the Pain’, the new album by Orphan Jon & The Abandoned’ stands for self-expression of life…”
Eric Schuurmans
Concert Monkey
“Orphan Jon And The Abandoned present a very entertaining and varied work with “Over The Pain”, which should find its fans in both the blues and southern rock scene for the reasons mentioned. The outstanding Alastair Greene with his famous guitar skills and the charismatic front man Jon English form an excellent framework for this.”