Mississippi-born Bobby Joyner formed the Sundowners in 2003 in Los Angeles, hoping to emulate his southern-rock heroes like the Allman Brothers and the Black Crowes. With his debut CD, Skies of Blue, Fields of Green, Joyner proves that not only does his powerful voice deserve to be recognized in the same category as Chris Robinson's and Gregg Allman's, but his music is as powerful as anything to come out of the deep south in nearly 20 years.

“Jesus” is a heavy plea for redemption that is as addicting as it is remorseful. It begins the record like you would start a night of heavy drinking – with a shot of bourbon – before dipping into the extremely beautiful Los Angeles optimism of “Silver Screen” and the brilliant “Think of Me.” (The latter being a touching statement to a lost lover that screams instant classic.)

The title track is another powerful country-rock masterpiece that serves as a hangover to the magnificent “Sunny Southern California,” which optimistically predicts Joyner's journey through music and intoxication. Joyner's voice and harmonica work are like nothing else coming out of current music today, which makes it both unique and original.

Grade: A