Jo Wymer shows her 'Scars'

After years of making her way in the local music scene, Freehold-based blues rocker Jo Wymer is finally releasing her debut CD, "Living With Scars," and it was more than worth the wait.

An album awash in struggle, lust, love, loss and joy, "Living With Scars" is a rock-solid set that solidifies Wymer's place as an undeniable artistic force in our area.

She will be celebrating the album's release on Saturday, June 25, with a show at the Wonder Bar on Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park. Doors are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets, including the CD, are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

From the hot rocker "Can't Live Without Your Kiss" to the smoky jazz of "Come On Baby" and the sultry sounds of "Real Man" and "Dirty Secrets," "Living With Scars" is a complex and ultimately empowering effort that Wymer should be proud of.

Wymer may advise listeners to keep their distance on the slinky rocking track "Stay Away From Me," but for folks who like their rock on the bluesy side, this album may prove irresistible.

Last November, Wymer earned the distinction of being the first female winner of the Top Blues Band award at the Asbury Music Awards.

"It's really hard for women to break into blues, so I'm excited," Wymer said at the awards ceremony, where she won her first Asbury Music Award. Something tells me there will be plenty more accolades in this performer's future.

For more information on Wymer, visit her official website.