Here be veterans, dear readers. Originally founded seven years ago, "Here Be Dragons" is the fifth album from "Jupiter Coyote," a hard-working, hard-travelling outfit that was first born in Brevard, North Carolina, when founders Matt Mayes (vocals, guitar, guijo) and John Felty (vocals, lead guitar) decided to form a band. After moving to Macon, Georgia, they joined forces with Gene Bass (drums) and Sanders Brightwell (bass). The addition of percussionist Robert Soto in 1997 rounds out the five-man act, who proudly claim the road as their true home. Now, you can't get  much more dedicated than that.

"Here Be Dragons" is an offering that is heavily southern-rock flavored,
smooth and mellow as swig of Southern Comfort on a cold night, but with just enough of a bite to keep it interesting. The band likens itself to the
sounds of Eagles, Doobie Brothers, and Little Feat crossed with widespread Panic, Bad Livers and Son Volt. An accurate description, although I would have to admit that I hear more of an echo of that seventies southern rock sound in the bulk of "Jupiter Coyote's" compositions than their contemporary counterparts. Still, this is a notable effort on the part of a band that has undoubtedly acquired a great deal of musical polish and expertise through its years on the road and in the studio, and has learned to translate that seasoned musicianship
admirably well to recorded disc. There may not be many surprises on "Here Be Dragons," but the songs that are included are well-written and nicely executed. Sensitive ballads and melodic, mid-tempoed songs are interspersed by foot-stomping, fast-paced tunes that all blend and exist harmoniously side by side. Look in particular for the lovely and wistful "Ship in a Bottle," and the raucous "Geese," a couple of my favorites.

All in all, for those who love the sound of good meat-and-potatoes,
down-home southern rock, with no excuses and no compromise, "Here Be
Dragons" is a great choice. "Jupiter Coyote" is a well-seasoned road band that unquestionably knows how to deliver the goods, with a wide enough appeal to reach both a young, as well as more mature, audience.