A veteran of long years on the Boston club scene and a stint as sideman to former J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, guitarist Johnny A. originally self-released this masterful, tasteful solo record to much local acclaim, ... more »and then guitar ace Steve Vai added the musician to the roster of his label. Proving that the term "guitar god" has too often been misapplied in the post-Van Halen era of diddly-squeak school of soloing, Johnny A. draws on a more classic pantheon of American fret deity for inspiration, including Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Nokie Edwards, and Wes Montgomery. And like the late Danny Gatton (whom the musician's fiery solos recall), Johnny's years as a sideman have taught him the importance of space and dynamics. The smoky, moody title track sets the tone. While his choice of covers (the Beatles' "Yes It Is," Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman," and the Ventures' signature "Walk, Don't Run") underscore his restraint, the guitarist proves his overdrive can burn with the best of them on "Two Wheel Horse," "In the Wind," and the rockabilly kicker "Up in the Attic." --Jerry McCulley« less
A veteran of long years on the Boston club scene and a stint as sideman to former J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, guitarist Johnny A. originally self-released this masterful, tasteful solo record to much local acclaim, and then guitar ace Steve Vai added the musician to the roster of his label. Proving that the term "guitar god" has too often been misapplied in the post-Van Halen era of diddly-squeak school of soloing, Johnny A. draws on a more classic pantheon of American fret deity for inspiration, including Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, James Burton, Nokie Edwards, and Wes Montgomery. And like the late Danny Gatton (whom the musician's fiery solos recall), Johnny's years as a sideman have taught him the importance of space and dynamics. The smoky, moody title track sets the tone. While his choice of covers (the Beatles' "Yes It Is," Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman," and the Ventures' signature "Walk, Don't Run") underscore his restraint, the guitarist proves his overdrive can burn with the best of them on "Two Wheel Horse," "In the Wind," and the rockabilly kicker "Up in the Attic." --Jerry McCulley
mijstrat | Westborough, MA United States | 06/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I heard Johnny A's version of "You Don't Love Me" on the radio here in Boston, I knew I had to buy this disc. I wound up buying 4 more and giving them away to friends because he was doing self-indie distribution before he got on Steve Vai's label. Johnny's tone and taste drew me right in - and if you are looking for a guitar PLAYER, instead of wanna-be's, here's your guy. Put this disc in your player and you won't be taking it out anytime soon - it's addictive!A plus for me is that Johnny plays Gibson guitars through Marshall amps (gets me out of my Fender rut!), and his great tone ranges from clean to snarly effortlessly. I caught him live a couple weeks ago at the Acton Jazz cafe, and he brings the goods into the club, too - no studio tricks. (He's also a cool guy and a pro...)Johnny is unabashed in his influences, and he brings them all in, from Atkins to Wes (Montgomery), with taste and originality. His original songs are great ("Oh Yeah" is a standout, but all of the originals here are strong, no filler), and his treatment of Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" and Lennon/McCartney's "Yes It Is" are great in taking the emotion of the originals and taking it to the next level with style. I'm already looking forward to his next release...."
New and Exciting
Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 04/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rare is it to find an artist that defies all the comparisons and genre typecasting, but Johnny A. does just that with his release "Sometime Tuesday Morning". It is obvious that Johnny A. has an eclectic taste of music, as this album samples across the boards. He plays what he wants to play. His style is slow and soulful, without wasting notes. And his sound! Nothing sounds a sweet as a clean guitar. Johnny A. doesn't hide behind a wall of distortion, delays or massive overdrives. When he does use effects to crunch it up a bit, it is with style and taste that compliments the music. The thing that disappoints me the most about this album is the fact that it took me so long to discover it. Thanks to my local radio stations "Studio C" program of bringing touring musicians in and recording live cuts, I first heard "Oh Yeah" live (and if you think that the album version is great, try finding this live version). After hearing that, I had to have this album. The only other disappointment is the fact that it's so short, just over 48 minutes of music, but you'll enjoy all of it.This album is full of gems, and you won't be skipping over any tracks. Each song has a slightly different flavor. From the soulful and slow "Wichita Lineman" to the more upbeat "Up In the Attic" Johnny A. knows exactly how to play to stir emotions and feeling. His cover of "Walk Don't Run" is a slowed down swing version of the original surf tune that shows how he can take a song and make it his own. Johnny A. doesn't fill his solos with notes, but says more in between the notes, and although he can play fast, he prefers to keep it slow giving his notes more power. If you love guitar, swing, jazz, country, or just plain old rock, then look no further than this excellent album. Johnny A. is a master of guitar and tone, and proves it to us all on this well-done album."
Sideman Steps Forward!
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 08/14/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After years of forming and playing with little known bands, Johnny A. opted to become a sideman or session player for various artists which included a six year stint with Peter Wolf, former frontman of the J. Geils band. Coming full circle, Johnny is back at center stage with this release. However, rather than to make his comeback with another rock band, Johnny chose to improvise somewhat and let his guitar do the singing for him. The result is an exceptional instrumental that hints at various styles, including country and rock, and yet remains true to jazz. This is truly one of those can't miss CD's."
GUITAR PLAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE!
Patrick Earley | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 09/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great debut instrumental album by Johhny A, who heavy metal artist Steve Vai thought enough of to put him on his own Favored Nations record label. But don't mistake this for heavy metal, it's far from it. It's a cool mix of different styles including rock, r&b, jazz, country, and everything in between. He plays with a beautiful tone that I haven't heard played this good since the days of Danny Gatton. I noticed he's being compared alot to Gatton, and after hearing this cd, I think they may not be far off. He definitly plays with his style on songs like "Two Wheel Horse" and "Up In The Attic", where he shows he's capable of playing with some great speed and controlled fury. But as much as I like this Gatton-like stuff, it's the slower, jazzier type material where I think he really comes into his own and shines. The opener "Sometime Tuesday Morning", is a very catchy tune with a mid-tempo jazz feel to it. But the one that really gets to me here is "Wichita Lineman". This is a very melodic version that has such a beautiful, expansive tone to it that you can just lay back and feel this music travel over the telephone lines and way beyond the lonely horizon. Needless to say, I loved this cd. The music he presents here varies so much, and he uses so many different styles and tones, that sometimes I wonder if it's the same guitar player playing all these songs. In my opinion, that's the mark of a true master. I can't wait to hear what he comes with next, because this guy is definitly going places."
Simply Marvelous
S. Anderson | Dallas, TX USA | 09/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the most satisfying, original, guitar albums to come along in years. This guy has abilities and creativity to spare. As soon as you think you know what his next phrase will sound like, he does a turn-around that completely surprises and delights you at the same time. Every time I play this CD I hear it again for the first time. There is a lot in there. I am so glad I took a chance and bought this disk. I, too, am anxiously awaiting Johnny A.'s next CD. I hope this one catches on like wildfire. This album is a jewel, a diamond. [...], here is guy giving us real, generative, music. This is the kind of music that inspires other musicians and composers. If you love American guitar, you will love this recording. If you play the guitar, listening to this music will make you a better player."