JSP Records reissued Larry Garner’s first two releases, Double Dues, from 1991, and 1994’s Too Blues.

Garner is a Baton Rouge resident who has drawn raves over the last few years for his songwriting.  In addition, Garner is a solid singer and guitarist.  He has a very relaxed style, and injects different styles, including reggae, into his Blues.

Double Dues features ten very original compositions from Garner, including “Scared Of You”, “The Taxman”, “California Sister” (based on his sister’s interracial marriage), “Past 23”, and “Shut It Down”, which is different from any Blues song you’ve ever heard.

The title Too Blues supposedly comes from a famous Blues producer who deemed Garner’s demo tape as “Too Blues”. His loss was JSP’s gain. The standout cuts include “Thought I Had The Blues”, “Mr. & Mrs. Pain”, “Kleptomaniac”, “Somebody (Riding Song)” in which he tackles the stereotypes surrounding the “Bluesman” persona, and the Handy winner “Dog House Blues”.  The only real drag is the nine minute plus “Love Her With A Feeling” that’s about five minutes too long.  (JSP Records)