Search - Johnny Lima :: Made in California

Friend, Colleague & Great All Around Musician

Curt S. | Southern California | 11/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You may initially find my opinion of this album to be 'slanted towards' this artist. Nothing could be farther from the truth. As musicians from the same area (tend to be supportive of one another... they also are highly volitile rivals. I grew up with Johnny and even played in 'jam sessions' with him as teenagers. He has chosen a career with songwriting and performing, I have chosen one behind the mixing console. Everyone starts out with potential when you're young but little to none are albe to stick with it - let alone vastly improve their craft. Johhny Lima is one of those that has overcome financial limitations and bands with 'musical chairs' - a rotating door of musicians over the years. Somehow between this and family life this artist refuses to go down without a fight. Those of us influenced by out 80's musical influence, most of us have pulled a 180 degree turn away from it... but not Johnny. He embraces his influences and in many areas brings them even to a higher level. If you are waiting for Bon Jovi or Bryan Adams to release another 80's sounding album there is only one place to find the spirits of that era. "Made In California" captures the 80's melodic rock influences and produces them to today's standards. If you are looking for a hint of the best of the past merged with the demands of today's standards, you only need one album to achieve this. Johnny Lima's "Made In California." Easily well worth twice the asking price.

~Curt S."