In the complex jazz realm is 'sometime tuesday morning', the debut solo album by Massachusetts guitarist Johnny A. He is best known as a sideman for Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band. This 12-cut disc is a far cry, though, from the gutsy R&B pop-rock of Wolf. A. is a guitarist with a keen melodic sensibility. His playing is economical but intricate, and his leads follow a rich, melodic path. In fact, melody, tone and feeling are intrinsic components of his understated sound. He is backed on the album by bassist Ed Spargo and drummer Craig Macintyre, who add just the right amount of rhythmic elements to complement A.'s prolific guitar work. A. also plays bajo sexto and lap steel. The disc kicks off with the shimmering textures of the jazzy title cut, then dazzles with fluid jazz-rock leads in "Oh Yeah" and the delicately jazz-meets-country picking of Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman." There's a distinctly more rock feel to the chugging "Two Wheel Horse," while Willie Cobb's "You Don't Love Me" is given a dexterous workout with some fiery fretwork and a swinging rhythm. If you like the music of Deep Banana Blackout, Zero, Steve Kimock, or for that matter, jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery or Barney Kessel, check this guy out; he is a monster player. In fact, he silenced two hecklers at a show with his prowess, and at the end of the set, they were lining up for signed CDs!
-Mick Skidmore- Back to Archives |
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