Album Mini-review: Janiva Magness — Love Wins Again
File next to: Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Shemekia Copeland
Though she’s been making albums for decades now, blues vocal powerhouse Janiva Magness was initially an interpreter of other composers’ music. It’s only been in recent years that the seven-time recipient of Contemporary Blues Female Artist award has turned her attention to the task of writing her own songs, and the positive feedback she earned encouraged her to continue in that direction. Magness’ triumphs in facing her own personal demons have provided plenty of subject material for her. The vocalist’s hard-earned upbeat (yet clear-eyed) point of view informs the disc’s eleven tunes, and the title track is a tidy summation of where she is today. Tasty blues-based instrumentation often leans in a Memphis style; there’s a soulful character to the songs on Love Wins Again that was only hinted at on Magness’ already-excellent earlier material.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.