Album: Bluesman from Jupiter, October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: Cold corner, Your secret is safe, You been blackenized
Life has a funny way of testing the limits of survival, and Dennis Spencer Goddard, the driving force behind The Dennis Spencer Group, has certainly faced his share of challenges. From surviving deadly car crashes to overcoming a heroin addiction, Spencer’s life has been as wild and unpredictable as the blues he plays. His latest album, Bluesman from Jupiter, captures the highs, lows, and everything in between, serving as both a personal diary and a musical journey for anyone who’s ever faced adversity. It’s a collection of 10 original tracks that span from boogie to the blues, offering a raw, authentic reflection of a man who’s truly lived.
A Life Fueled by the Blues
Dennis Spencer’s introduction to the blues came at an early age. His father handed him a guitar, setting the stage for a love that would grow throughout his life. At 16, Dennis had the opportunity to jam with one of his heroes, the legendary B.B. King, backstage at a concert. It was an experience that would change the course of his life. Driven by the encounter, Dennis went home and tried to look up “blues” in the dictionary, only to find that there was no clear definition. And so began his lifelong search to understand the genre—and the world—through the eyes of a bluesman.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Spencer lived fast in the ’70s, partying at Studio 54, learning how to smuggle guitars into London, and sharing the same building as Sid Vicious at The Hotel Chelsea, where the tragic murder of Nancy Spungen occurred. His lifestyle spiraled further, culminating in personal heartbreak, including a failed proposal under the Eiffel Tower and the eventual death of his girlfriend from a drug overdose. It was a life of fast living that soon turned to barely living. Dennis found himself wandering the streets of New York City, locked out of hotel rooms, searching for meaning in the darkness.
The low points didn’t stop there. At one stage, Dennis sought advice from a fortune teller in Times Square, who not only rejected his $5 but also told him he had no future. This harsh prediction was not far from the truth when Dennis eventually found himself in prison, in three fights, and nearly dead after a drug overdose. When he was carried into a hospital in a body bag and declared dead, a nurse discovered a faint heartbeat, and Dennis Spencer once again defied death.
Bluesman from Jupiter: A Musical Reflection of a Tumultuous Life
With survival in his rearview mirror, Dennis knew it was time to get his life back on track, and music was the catalyst for that change. After kicking his heroin habit in a New York jail, he found himself reinvigorated by the power of blues. His latest album, Bluesman from Jupiter, produced by Dennis Spencer Goddard and co-produced by Robert Bowman, is a testament to that transformation.
Recorded at Pacifica Studios in Los Angeles, the album blends blues, funk, and rock ‘n’ roll, with a touch of gospel and soul, creating a sound that’s as versatile as Spencer’s life. The opening track, “Bluesman from Jupiter,” features a narrative with rich Hammond B-3 organ tones courtesy of Mikal Majeed, setting the tone for an album that is deeply personal and musically diverse. “Cheap Entertainment” grooves with a catchy rhythm and lyrical charm, while “Cold Corner” showcases Spencer’s vocal range and his undeniable talent on guitar. Each track on the album encapsulates a different facet of his life—whether it’s the infectious rhythm of “Thousandaire” or the deeper, soul-searching vibe of “Gypsy Payback,” a song inspired by his time with the fortune teller in Times Square.
One standout track is “Why Can’t We,” which features a second guitarist, Jeff Ross, and captures a yearning for unity. The lyrics evoke imagery of the stars and flowers, symbolizing the potential for beauty in the world if only we could come together. Then there’s “Tall Guy Boogie,” an instrumental that channels the spirit of Bo Diddley with a fiery guitar solo that calls to mind the great Albert Collins.
In addition to Dennis Spencer’s compelling songwriting and guitar work, the album features several standout performances. Tracy Hart and Sheila Heard provide background vocals on “Gypsy Payback,” while Bobby Warren takes over lead vocals on the album’s closer, “You Been Blackenized,” a powerful narrative that speaks to the injustices and challenges faced by many.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Spencer’s experiences aren’t just reflected in his music—they’ve shaped his approach to the guitar itself. One of the most pivotal moments in his musical journey came when a cab driver in New York offered him a piece of advice that would stay with him for life. The cabbie, an old black man, told Dennis that to become a better guitarist, he shouldn’t focus on guitar players. Instead, he recommended listening to saxophonists like Louis Jordan and Cleanhead Vinson and trying to replicate their “sex solos” on the guitar. This advice, simple yet profound, helped Spencer understand the emotional power of music and how to make his guitar sing in ways he never imagined.
Today, with his fourth wife by his side and a wealth of life experience in his back pocket, Dennis Spencer Goddard is ready to share his story with the world through Bluesman from Jupiter. He’s survived the fast lane, the dark alleys, and the brink of death itself. And now, he’s proving that even in the face of hardship, the blues can still offer redemption and a sense of purpose.
The album, a heartfelt tribute to the highs and lows of his journey, is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates real, gritty blues. Dennis Spencer’s survival against the odds is nothing short of legendary, and with Bluesman from Jupiter, he continues to prove that, no matter the challenges, the music—and the man—are here to stay.
