Living Blues Magazine Album Review Issue #299

Nov.-Dec. 2025

By Tim Lee

Angel Ocasio, Jr. The Road Home Wild Ivory Records - No #

Macon, Georgia's Angel (Cash) Ocasio Jr. may have learned to play guitar in church (thanks to relative Elihue "Uncle Big" Donaldson* Jr.), but the Cash's Juke Joint frontman's latest solo release belies a well-traveled and studied ace musician, singer, writer, and producer. While deeply rooted in blues and sacred steel traditions, ***The Road Home*** takes the long way around to it's destination, making stops in the many worlds informed by R&B, soul, rock, and funk along the way. Ocasio handles the majority of the instruments himself, but drummer Javares "J.D." Dunn's power and finesse behind the kit, as well as guest Blind Dog Mayer (harmonica) and Coco Cook (vocals), keep ***The Road Home*** from sounding like a one-man band vanity project. Leadoff track *The Lone Road*, a moody dobro and synth piece that sounds like a modern take on a Morricone western soundtrack, gives way to the heavy riffing of *Walk with Me*, a crunchy blues rocker in the vein of Gary Clarke Jr. or Alvin "Youngblood" Hart's Muscle Theory that showcases Ocasio's considerable slide skills and soulful vocals. *Early in the Morning* has a minor key vibe reminiscent of B.B. King or Lightnin' Hopkins and *Set in My Ways* would fit on a late '70's Johnny "Guitar" Watson funk album. Ocasio's duet with Coco Cook, *Mr. Easer*, has a southern soul feel that sets up the album closer, the acoustic blues *Something I Can Feel*. Need some lap steel wizardry in your life? Cue up the smoking instrumental *Cash Jam*. Ocasio's instrumental prowess stands out across the 11 tracks on ***The Road Home***, but the songs never suffer from overplaying or excessive production. Sure, this record is a guitar junkie's dream, but Ocasio's smooth vocalizing and strong songwriting skills never take a back seat to his searing solos. Despite it's all-over-the-road nature, ***The Road Home*** is a cohesive showcase for one of the most exciting young artists in the blues world today. Take notice, ya'll.

Daily Times Leader

(Front Page Feature)

"Cash Jam" A Conversation with Angel Ocasio, Jr.

Oct. 28, 2025

By Wil Bane

I got to the Black Prairie Blues Museum a while before the Blues Festival began. The Old Memphis Kings and Macon, Ga.’s Cash's Juke Joint were already there, right inside the door. Angel Ocasio Jr. is frontman and guitarist of Cash's Juke Joint. Ocasio was setting out their merch table with his Uncle Big. Ocasio is half the core of Cash's Juke Joint with drummer Javares “J.D.” Dunn. Hohner-endorsed, world-renowned harmonica player Deak Harp of Clarksdale featured with Cash’s on Saturday night. I went to a table to set down my water and camera before picking up a black T-shirt with bold, red, glittering letters reading "CASH'S JUKE JOINT."

Read More: https://www.dailytimesleader.com/entertainment/cash-jam-a-conversation-with-angel-ocasio-jr/article_ff7846ed-05bd-41de-88dc-f6011377f4d8.html

Blues21 Album Review

Oct. 15, 2025

B21 featuring Disc-Select Angel Ocasio Jr. (USA) "The Road Home"

Wild Ivory Records 2025

Release date: September 1, 2025

Read More: https://www.blues21.com/angel-ocasio-jr-the-road-home

Bluestown Music Album Review

Oct. 1, 2025 Review: Angel Ocasio Jr. – The Road Home

A good album, well found lyrics, technically good guitar work, in the production especially in the first songs the clarity of the vocals has been lost a little, but that also has its charm!

Author: Gerard Haarhuis

Read More: https://bluestownmusic.nl/review-angel-ocasio-jr-the-road-home/

The Macon Melody

by Michael Pannell

Sept. 4, 2025

"Macon musician releasing ‘soul-stirring’ debut album" Ocasio is a Macon multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who shines on guitar and stands out playing pedal steel guitar. He likes to call his music “soul-stirring, wrapped around the blues,” and he rocks whatever he’s doing, from blues to soul, spirituals, swing, funk, rock, even heartfelt ballads. “The Road Home” is being called Ocasio’s debut album, but he’s been in studios recording since before his preteens and has played in front of people since he was seven.

Read More: https://maconmelody.com/macon-musician-releasing-soul-stirring-debut-album/

Georgia Public Broadcasting

May 2025

Angel Ocasio, Jr. is more than a musician - he's a keeper of a powerful tradition known as sacred steel. From early gigs as a child to performances in Amsterdam, his story is steeped in faith, family, and creative fire. This episode of Peach Jam offers a rare glimpse into a legacy-driven artist on the rise. Walk with us - to the full episode: listen and subscribe wherever you get podcasts. And watch the mini concert on GPB's YouTube channel.

Read More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxOgDkEZ5PI&t=252s

Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine

Feb.-March 2025 issue, pg. 36 & 38 by Carlin “C-Note” Smith

"This year's IBC was one for the books. Over 150 bands from all over the world participated and the competition was fierce. Representing the ABS in the Solo/Duo category was Cash's Juke Joint, featuring Angel "Cash" Ocasio, Jr. on guitar and vocals and Javares Dunn (JD) on drums. Opening his sets playing (lap) steel guitar showed the craftsmanship of a master. From the offset they had the crowd at the Blues Hall on Beale St. on their feet and singing along with the band. Cash's sounds from his guitar probably mimic the sound of angels getting their wings. They moved into a more bluesy melody in such a way that only Angel and JD can present. JD, with that neverending heartbeat of the band, added expertise on the drums with a dynamic solo that had the audience holler for more. Their song, Mister Eas(er), was a hit and a testimonial to what the blues is all about. Even though Cash's Juke Joint did not make it to the quarter finals, they made ABS and the Macon, GA area proud. They will always be my favorite wherever they play. Blues folks, I ask you to follow this band because you will not be disappointed."

12-Bar Talk: A Blues Podcast by Dr. Chelsea Adams

July 22, 2024

Dr. Chelsea Adams interviews a premier musician from the Macon Music scene, Angel “Cash” Ocasio, Jr., founder of the band Cash's Juke Joint. They talk about the origins of the band, Angel's family upbringing and the importance of church in his life to shape his musical sound, and the power of the blues for the current generation of musicians to shape the future of the blues. You can find Cash's music on all platforms, and learn more at his website. The link to his newest music video is below. Host: Dr. Chelsea Adams Guest: Angel "Cash" Ocasio, Jr. Produced by Dr. Chelsea Adams 12-Bar Talk is supported by Salt City Blues, LLC, a blues dance event and education organization committed to bringing education about black dances and blues to the Greater Salt Lake City area. Podcast intro music is Chicago Shuffle Blues, courtesy of JuliusH. Song can be found at https://pixabay.com/users/juliush-3921568/.

Read More: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-12-the-song-is-the-starting-point-an/id1697229302?i=1000663051497

Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine

May-June 2024 issue, pg. 40-41

by Carlin “C-Note” Smith

"…On this particular Thursday night the jam was off the hook. There were some local musicians that just rocked the house with some jumpin' blues, then a young crew from Macon Georgia showed up, Cash's Juke Joint, and just blew everyone away. Angel "Cash" Ocasio Jr. on guitar, JD on drums, and on that night Rocky "The Rock" was keepin' the beat on bass just showed us what the blues is all about. I have been so impressed with this young man. He renews my faith in the preservation of the Blues. His style of doing the standards take blues to a whole new level. With JD on drums, who provided a solo to beat all solos, he is the heartbeat of Cash's Juke Joint Band. This young man is currently playing around the South, so given a chance go see Cash's Juke Joint and you will hear and see a complete blues entertainer."

Thacker Mountain Radio Hour

by Jim Dees

February 2024

“Macon, GA is a storied music town, home to Little Richard, Otis Redding, the Allman Brothers and dozens more. Angel “Cash” Ocasio, Jr. and his collective, Cash's Juke Joint, is a worthy addition to Macon’s strong and funky musical lineage. Whether a duo, a trio, a full band with horns or just Angel on his sacred steel, Cash’s Juke Joint bring the blues, soul, spirituals, swing, funk, rock – in short, southern soul any way you like it. Cash's originals include, Walk With Me and Mr. Easer.”

A look back: Arts & entertainment took center stage in Macon and didn’t disappoint

By Michael W. Pannell For The Telegraph

Updated December 29, 2023 10:18 AM

Here are some personal observations, favorite finds and surprises from our passing arts, entertainment and cultural year. Remember along with me and let’s be thankful for the year and look forward to 2024’s coming attractions. The headline on my first column this year read, “2023 looks to be a banner year for art, entertainment in Middle Georgia,” and that set the tone. January was gangbusters with a sense of variety as The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine headed to The Grand Opera House and modern southern rock luminary Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke was set for The Capitol Theatre in January. The good news is he’s back at The Capitol this Jan. 19 for an acoustic show with Benji Shanks. The rest of the year was no less filled with music, art and other goings on with highlights every week so I’ll call my recollections of bits, bobs, people and events mind-blowing highlights. Unfortunately, there’s not enough space for all. … ▪ Speaking of music, my best new-to-me band find of the year has to be Angel “Cash” Ocasio, Jr. and Cash’s Juke Joint. I’d heard of him but only caught him this year playing an event for A Friend in Me, the mental health awareness organization. Singer, extraordinary guitarist and rocking pedal steel guitarist — yes, rocking pedal steel guitarist — Ocasio is a huge, unique talent. In fact, on Sunday, I’ll probably be heading to Perry to see Cash’s Juke Joint at the city’s annual New Year’s Eve Buzzard Drop. It’s downtown, starts at 7 p.m. and is the kick-off of Perry’s 200th birthday celebrations.

Find Ocasio and links to the Perry event at www.facebook.com/cashsjukejoint.

This story was originally published December 28, 2023 at 11:24 AM.

Read More: https://www.macon.com/entertainment/article283597448.html