Melon Jelly
The Road To Memphis
Self Released
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © Feb 2025
Prelude
I don’t generally do this, but when I saw this post on FB by Mark Nesmith a few days ago, I immediately knew it would be a great way to start off this review…
“Holy guacamole Batman! Our little band from Beaumont, TX is on THE Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #15! No record label, no managers, and we haven’t spent thousands of dollars on promotion. This has been a complete DIY grassroots effort. We owe this to lots of hard work and the incredible support of our friends and family. Thank you!”
That is very cool indeed, and I hope that my input helps keep it there for a while longer.
BTW, should you be wondering how the name Melon Jelly came about – as I was – it involves Mark’s favorite episode from one of his favorite TV shows. Here is a hint… https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694140/
Review
The Road To Memphis is a very appropriate title for Melon Jelly’s debut release. With the band having performed as representatives of the Houston Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge just last month, and front man – Mark “Nessie” Nesmith – having won the right to perform the year before as the society’s representative in the solo/duo category, these guys most certainly know how to musically navigate that road. Of course it’s way to early to tell about next year, but with that kind of experience, they have to be the early line favorites.
Melon Jelly are: Stephen Droddy on drums and backing vocals; Jason McCollum on bass; Mark Nesmith on vocals, guitars and keyboards; with Haley Deaver Droddy on additional vocals. In their own words, the band claims they “dish out a foot stompin’ musical gumbo of funky grooves, blues and retro rock served piping hot from Southeast Texas” and I’d be inclined to 100% agree with that. All of the disc’s eleven tracks are Mark Nesmith originals.
Unlike one particular band who claimed that time is on their side, Mellon Jelly believes that “Time Is A Thief”, and they have the proof. You see…
“One day you’re just a little kid, the next day you’re dying.
It’ll take everything you have, no matter how hard you fight.
Time is a thief, it will steal you blind”.
Being closer to eighty than I am to seventy, I know exactly what the heck they mean. Vocally, the track’s very well written and truthful lyrics become even more somber by the convincing presentation from Mark and Haley; and musically, when Mark’s scorching guitar and organ leads are combined to the thunderous rhythm Stephen and Jason are pounding out, just the right amount of unnervingness is created as the song’s perfect accompanimen
This song that I’m sure is a tribute to Mrs. Nesmith is titled “Angel” – as in “I thank God every day, he had mercy on me and sent me an angel.” Good for you Mark, not everyone is as lucky as us. Musically it’s an up tempo, foot tappin’, finger snappin’, dance floor fillin’ track.
Right from the opening sounds of a car engine being turned on and revved, this instrumental titled “Memphis Bound” is travelling music at its best. And at the pace it’s moving along at, Melon Jelly will be arriving sooner than later. Simply said, although there’s nothing simple about it, this one features the guy’s on top of their game doing what they do best – making really good music.
When a relationship reaches the point where the question “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” needs to be asked, I’m pretty sure the answer is it’s time to go. At less than three minutes, it’s a short shuffle that I could have taken a few more minutes of – especially during the minute long mid-song instrumental where the guys were locked into one of those signature funky grooves of theirs.
Although the opening line gives it away, as Mark describes the loneliness he’s feeling while his lady is away, you might get the impression she’s been gone for weeks – or even months. Actually, it’s just been “Three Days”. I guess calling it a love song pretty much hits the nail on the head. It’s a heartfelt slow and bluesy number that features a relaxing rhythm being laid down by Stephen and Jason, while showcasing Mark’s excellent guitar and vocal skills.
The disc closes with a track called “Old Habits”. The melancholy lyrics refer to many of the things you did when you were a couple, that you just can’t stop doing alone. Things like setting the table for two; turning the TV on to her favorite show; pulling into the driveway and seeing nothing but your own headlights; and other situations that indeed make coping a challenge. Vocally, Mark – with fabulous backup from Haley – seems to make his pain transferable; and musically, with Stephen and Jason at disc’s best on the drums and bass; and the constant changes Mark’s making on the guitar; this track personifies the band’s musical mission statement
Other tracks on this excellent debut release include: “So Many Years”; “Hold On To Me”; “Where Y’At?”; “This Life”; and “Prodigal Blues”
Should you like to find out more about Melon Jelly, check them out at – www.melonjellyband.com. While you’re doing that, take a minute to read about Mark, who fills the bill as an artist in many different ways. As usual, when you contact him and the band, please tell them their new friend the Blewzzman sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
