If you are in the DC area tonight you will want to get yourself over to the Rock and Roll Hotel to celebrate the release of a new disc by Justin Jones and the Driving Rain. Earvolution alum Heather Huff, who has impeccable musical taste, first brought Justin Jones to my attention when she featured him on the site back in 2004 as an artist to watch in November of 2004. At the time Heather accurately described Justin's debut cd as follows: "Whether you call it alt-country or hillbilly soul, his debut Blue Dreams is a heartfelt collection of story-telling songs delivered with a stunning authenticity."

A year later Justin was cool enough to play our new music showcase at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC and put on a captivating show that had the packed room's full attention. Justin would later followed up his first record with the equally authentic Love Verses Heroin. With the title being somewhat literal, the disc was full of hope and heart break. And, while Jones showed growth as a musician one thing didn't change from the first record. He still delivered "haunting stories with the poise of someone who will be content with his music whether he becomes a star or not."

On the day of his third release, ... and I am the Song of the Drunkards, I believe that is still an apt description of Justin. However, listening to new tracks like "If I'm Wrong" and "Let's Stay Together" will let you know that "stardom" may not be that far off for Jones whether he wants it or not. Like the last record, Drunkards shows Jones moving forward as a musician and songwriter. This could be the record that finally wakes up some of the "bigger labels" that have been asleep at the switch on this guy. Even if it doesn't, something tells me that Jones will continue to hone his craft and get his music out to appreciative fans with or without the help from "the industry."

I'm told Justin may pull out a few surprises tonight so be sure to get out to the Rock and Roll Hotel. And, get their early to see Earvolution's Pawnshop Roses and Gypsy Eyes Records' John Bustine. Doors open at 8:30 and the show starts at 9:30; directions and more info here.