|
JONNY LANG Lie To Me (A&M/Universal) Jonny Lang comes from Fargo, and this is the same place that has given us Shannon Curfman. In fact most of the band on Lie To Me feature on Shannon's Loud Guitars Big Suspicions including Jonny. Although still a teenager, this guitarist can belt it out like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. Although not quite as flash yet, he possesses the heart and soul of the music. His vocals would tell you that this lad was raised on pure Kentuckey bourbon. He's got a bite like a mild Joe Cocker. Lie To Me opens with the single that is the title track. It's okay, but it wouldn't have been my pick. I think that Tinsley Ellis' bluesy 'A Quiter Never Wins', or Ike Turner's swinging 'Matchbox' might have been better choices. 'Good Morning Little School Girl' is a Sonny Boy Williamson blues classic, and everyone from Rory Gallagher to Johnny Winter has covered it. Again this is a song I wouldn't have chosen for this album. Take McCabe's 'Darker Side' (he wrote 'Lie To Me'), this is a true gem, not only is it melancholy, but it features some powerful guitar playing from Jonny. 'Still Wonder' is a blues love ballad written by Kevin Bowe, and this features some brilliant dynamics in the guitar sound, production and Jonny's subtle vocal tones. 'Back For A Taste of Your Love' and 'Hit The Ground Running' shows Jonny's Joe Louis Walker meets Dennis Walker influences. Not only can Jonny play blues, he's damn fine with R&B as well. One of my favourite tracks off Lie To Me is the jazzy 'Rack 'Em Up'. Again this is written by the keyboard player Bruce McCabe. Brilliant! This was Jonny's second album and already he is showing strengths that will place him among the top players in the near future. You have to give producer David Z. credit for putting together an awesome band, and getting Jonny some great songs.Gazz Wander This World (A&M/Universal) Young Jonny Lang startled the blues world with his 2nd album Lie To Me, now he's back and he's added a touch of soul to the mix. Opening with 'Still Raining' is a song that Little Feat should have recorded. 'Second Guessing' and 'I Am' have Al Green and Otis Redding written all over them. 'Breakin' Me' is beautifully acoustic and showcases Jonny's black vocals, and that's not bad for a 17-year-old white boy. The title track features the legendary Steve Cropper on dobro. 'The Levee' is a strong country/rock anecdote. 'Leaving To Stay' is pure gospel-soul and features Javeeta Steele (Bagdad Café) on background vocals. 'Before You Hit The Ground' is almost Sly Stone and Bootsy Collins. Enter the heavy rock riffs of 'Cherry Red Wine' that also features impeccable piano licks from Tommy Burroughs. Jonny rounds off Wander This World with Joe Louis Walker's 'If This Is Love' that has an almost skiffle feel about it. One of Jonny's major influences has been Joe Louis Walker. Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
|
