The Critic's Choice

Dave put your review here.

"Momma, don’t let your children grow up to be Bluesmen”. That is the best advice I could give any mother and why is that you might ask? Well, some how in the world of the blues there is a unwritten law or code that a musician must adhere to or he (women are not allowed to be “Bluesmen”) can not be considered a “Bluesman” (Definition: “Bluesman”; A male person who has dedicated his life to the “blues code”). Under this same “blues code” only another “bluesman” can render the critical acclaim to another blues musician, thus granting him the “bluesman” status. Fortunately I am not a qualified “bluesman”so, I can not give a valid critic’ of any blues artist, that being said I can now give you my review of Johnny Langs “Wander This World”. I think it is a great CD. Johnny’s vocals remind me of Joe Cocker without the epileptic seizures. Being a “Tele” guy myself, I just can’t help but love the tone Johnny is getting from his ax. The CD is well produced and has a wide range of musical styles on it from the acoustical ballad qualities of “Wander This World” to the gospel feel of “Leaving To Stay”. Johnny has been touted as the next “Blues” sensation, but I feel this CD falls more into the “contemporary pop” vain. I think a lot of “Bluesmen” would agree with me on this point. This seems to be a major problem with some blues players, they feel Johnny sold-out. Well, so did Robert Johnson when you compare him to Charlie Patton. This CD really hit the groove with “Angel Of Mercy” right on till the end of the CD. “Right Back” has a solid rock feel about it and “Before You Hit The Ground” brought back memories of listening to Kinsey Report. Then to wrap it all up Johnny, brings on “Cherry Red Wine” for the CD closer. This is some serious blues in my book and should get the attention of any “Bluesman”. When I listen to this song I just can’t help but image seeing Johnny in twenty years, standing on stage, sweating like BB King and howlin’ out that line “Takin’ you to the doctor Baby, maybe the doctor knows what’s goin’ wrong in your head”. Overall I give “Wander This World” a “4 Guitar” rating and hope to hear a lot more from such a talented young person.

Mark put your review here.