CD Review
Johnny Drummer
Unleaded Blues
(Earwig Records CD 4948)
by Dick Houff
Review date: September 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Every city has that one special performer that stands apart from the pack. Chicago, on the other hand, has more than you can imagine. But in Johnny Drummer's case; I get the feeling that he is truly that one special person. I've caught his shows over the years and always walked away with a feeling of total satisfaction. His stage presence is
commanding, and his personality is heartwarming. He prefers his own material; soulful and memorable moments-a true romantic with an edge. Johnny can rock the house with his own distinctive Chicago style blues; his ballads and duets with other artists are beyond description-beautiful and sexy-oh yes! it's all there. On this second
album with Earwig, he takes you into some new turf. The first two songs: I'm Gonna Sell My Cadillac, Buy Myself A Mule, and Born In The Delta, are perfect Chicago styling to the max. It's quite obvious, that the fourteen tracks on this session were well planned. Drummer is a professional and his arrangements for this session really show-the guy's a master; mark my words. Well chosen guest artists are always a highlight, and with Liz Mandville Greeson (Everyone loves Liz!) sharing vocals you get a double threat! Track #4: Stop Cheating, is worth the price of the disc! But don't let that throw you off; lend an ear to Track #11: Unleaded Blues, an instrumental spotlighting the band-this
is the house shuffle for you and your partner! Johnny hits you hard with the following track: Fall Out Of Love, and doesn't let up. The last two songs on the disc: Take Care Of Your Homework, and Somebody Please Give Me A Job, are "Top Ten Contenders!" This album is a heavyweight with a whole lot of moves-dig it!
www.earwigmusic.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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