High Road Easy

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "High Road Easy" by Sass Jordan from her 1994 album Rats. This track, a gritty anthem of empowerment, was a standout from the Rats tour, captured live in the recently released Live in New York Ninety-Four album. The live version, featuring a young Taylor Hawkins on drums, is a raw, electrifying performance that Jordan released to honor Hawkins after his passing. In a Songfacts interview, Jordan shared that Hawkins, then just 22, brought an infectious energy to the band, describing him as a "little spark that lit the fire" during the grueling 1994 tour. His joy kept the band from getting jaded, making the Rats tour a wild ride of huge shows and relentless travel across North America and Europe.

The song itself, with lyrics like "Got a pocket full of power, got a handle on control," reflects Jordan’s fierce, take-no-prisoners attitude. In a 2023 Bluestown Music post, Jordan recalled the spring/summer of ’94 as a chaotic time, with the band "rampaging" through "High Road Easy" like "a pack of road dogs." The track was the first single from the live album, chosen to showcase the band’s raw intensity and Hawkins’ explosive drumming. Jordan noted the sense of urgency in the performance, almost as if the band sensed something monumental was coming. Fans on Reddit have praised Rats as a "nasty forgotten breakup album," with "High Road Easy" embodying the album’s defiant, middle-finger-to-the-world vibe.

Sass Jordan, born Sarah Jordan on December 23, 1962, in Birmingham, England, kicked off her musical journey in Montreal, where her family relocated when she was three. Raised in a household steeped in classical music, Jordan rebelled by diving into rock and soul, inspired by the Band. As a teenager, she picked up the guitar and played in local bands, eventually switching to bass with the Pinups. By her early twenties, she was hustling as a session vocalist and songwriter, landing her first break in 1986 as co-lead vocalist on Bündock’s album Mauve. Her debut album, Tell Somebody, dropped in 1988 via Atlantic, scoring hits like "Tell Somebody" and "Double Trouble," and earning her a Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist. This launched her into the international spotlight, setting the stage for her gritty, blues-infused rock career.

Jordan’s career exploded with her 1992 album Racine, which leaned into a Black Crowes-esque sound and produced hits like "Make You a Believer." Her 1994 album Rats, featuring "High Road Easy," pushed a harder edge, blending alt-rock flair with her bluesy roots. Beyond music, Jordan’s versatility shone through in acting, including a stint as Janis Joplin in Love, Janis, and as a judge on Canadian Idol for six seasons. Her fearless attitude and powerhouse vocals have inspired countless female rockers, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and X to stay updated on her latest releases and tour dates.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out fan communities like the Sass Jordan Fan Club on Facebook, where fans share memories, rare photos, and tour stories. The official Sass Jordan website is your go-to for merch, vinyl pre-orders, and news on albums like Live in New York Ninety-Four. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her sound, Jordan’s raw energy and unapologetic spirit make "High Road Easy" a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning vibes. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!