Music In REVIEW • Kevin Rousse on 'Second Chances & 'Predeliction by The J.R. Band

Kevin Rousse • The Sideman Steps Forward On "Second Chances"

By Matt deHeus

If you are a fan of this region’s live music scene, there is a good chance you have had the chance to enjoy the musicianship of Kevin Rousse.  Over the last 10 plus years he has developed into one of the area’s consummate musicians, working either as a regular member of Billy Gunther and Midwest Riders or a first call sideman when artists like Alex Schofield come to town.

With his debut EP, Second Chances, Rousse steps to the front of the band.  Rousse tracked this quartet of songs at Reed Recording Company in Bay City at the urging of Loren Kranz, who also plays keyboards and drums on the release.

Rousse credits Kranz with encouraging him to schedule time at RRC to document some of his own songs.

“Loren was a big impetus for getting me into the studio.  I have to thank him for that.”

The album opens with an upbeat instrumental track “We’re On Our Own,” which shows off Rousse’s instrumental chops on guitar and mandolin.

It’s interesting to find out that Rousse, who is largely associated with the country rock sound of the Midwest Riders, first cut his teeth on Irish / Celtic punk rock.  Said Rousse, “This song had been around for a while.  I was always a big fan of The Pogues and their influence is heavy on that one.  I really learned to play from listening to Irish and Celtic Rock.”

The diversity of his influences can be found in the title track and first single, “Second Chances.” 

This was a song that he said was written for everyone who finds themselves at a point where they regroup and reassess.  A large part of inspiration for the song came from a “Behind The Music” interview he watched with John Lennon from around the time he released Double Fantasy.

“He was basically talking about where he was in his life and talking back to his fans.  He was like ‘Hey there.  I’m 40 now.  How are you doing?’”

Though influenced by Lennon, the song also leans into the jam band aesthetic of the Allman Brothers and other classic Southern rockers.  Featuring Gunther on backing vocals, the song also regularly makes it into the setlist of the Midwest Riders.

“Down On Your Luck” has its roots in a period where Rousse was “going through a thing for Street Punk.”  It was written for anyone with a broken heart.

The EP closer, Indian Summer, is a track about the “girl who got away.”

The song had its beginning from a 3 AM jam.  Rousse later found the lick on a CD recording from that night and he worked up a song around that lick.  Featuring bassist Allison Scott on the recording, it is a fitting cap on an impressive set.

Rousse’s plans in 2026 include continuing to barnstorm honky-tonks and dive bars north and south with the Midwest Riders.  He is also in pre-production for a second album, which he hopes to record at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak over the next year.

In the meantime take the time to give Second Chances a spin.  It’s an enjoyable affair that is a good reflection on one of the unsung talents in our area.

Predeliction • The J.R. Band

By Robert E. Martin

Predilection is the title of the new single by The J.R. Band that marks a unique departure for the group insofar as it’s an instrumental track designed to take listeners on a  journey of musical reflection within the sonic and emotively colored landscape the group has created with this latest outing.

Framed within the Indie Folk genre, the track features Randy Juhl on guitar, Violin, and Hammond B3 orgran, Bob Rostollan on Double Bass, Kelly Sible on Banjo, and John Timko on Mandolin, opening with an unassuming  solo guitar that slowly builds upon layered musical textures and momentum right up to the end; with the bridge of the song inventively using a double bass that switches to bow, changing the dynamics with a significant twist.

“I wanted this to be a short musical journey for listeners,” explains Juhl. “The Hammond B3 in this was inspired by Garth Hudson of "The Band", and the title was inspired by the notion that a place of preference or predeliction  does not have to be a physical bias but can occupy a musical space as well.”

The title is inspired by Carlos Castaneda’s The Teachings of Don Juan, where a warrior’s place of predilection is described as a physical spot that grounds and restores. Juhl says that for The JR Band, that space became musical, a journey through sound rather than a physical location.

“The track began as a solo guitar piece influenced by fingerstyle guitarists like Leo Kottke and other haunting melodies discovered online. Over a year of development, the structure was simplified into a clear AB form with a bridge and outro, keeping it engaging while allowing the layers and textures to evolve organically. The Hammond B3 organ was introduced to add warmth and depth, performed via MIDI on a Roland piano, inspired by the sounds of The Band, Allman Brothers, and Santana, contributing a subtle, floating atmosphere.”

Collaboration is the key to the final sound. With the other gifted musicians on the track bringing their seasoned musicianship to the project, interpreting their respective parts with creativity and intent. Bob’s use of bowed double bass on the bridge creates a soaring dynamic shift that elevates the piece, while each musician’s contributions adds layers of texture and emotion, resulting in a rich, immersive listening experience.

Recorded at Heart Street Studio, Randy says the process involved careful coordination of schedules and multiple takes to capture the best performances. “The track was built from a loose outline, allowing room for exploration and improvisation, and was finalized through editing, mixing, and mastering to achieve its warm, evocative sound.”