-Carter Moss, Illinois Entertainer

"Gina" (Cellar Records; 2004) 
Reviewed by Carter Moss, staff writer, of Illinois Entertainer March 2005

Though the five friends in Chicago-based Court Jester rarely take themselves seriously, they do take their brand of party rock seriously enough to ensure they won't be laughed off any stage. Bathed in overtones of staple party-rockers like KISS and Ratt, Court Jester laces each track of their debut, Gina, with solid metal guitar hooks and surprisingly melodic vocals. While the anthemic title track and "Low Down" may sound like B-sides from mythical Steel Dragon*, they show Court Jester at their best -- rocking and having a good time doing it. (Contact: http://www.egotripent.com.)

*NOTE: "Steel Dragon" is the mythical band created for the movie "Rock Star" that was based on the true life story of heavy metal legends, Judas Priest and in particular, Rob Halford replacement, Ripper Owens. The band featured musicians Zakk Wylde (guitar - Ozzy, Black Label Society), Jason Bonham (drums - Bonham, Led Zepplin), Jeff Pilson (bass - Dokken, War & Peace), actor Dominic West (guitar), and actor/singer Mark Wahlberg (vocals).