Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends is a Remarkable Album

Mini-Review: Toronto's Johnny Max surrounds himself with oodles of talented artists from the Hamilton & Niagara areas for his latest remarkable album. Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends, is packed with a Blues sounds:  boogie-woogie, jazz, soul, funk, country-flavours, and more. This is all blended in to Johnny's trademark down to earth stylings and lyrics.

Available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Amazon Music

Main Band

• Johnny Max - Lead Vocals, Producer
• Jim Casson - Drums & Percussion, Producer
• Mitch Lewis - Guitars
• Dylan Wickens - Guitars
• Steve Goldberger - Bass
• Bill Evans - Keyboards

Guests

• Neil Chapman - Guitar 
• Jay Burr - Tuba
• Quisha Wint - Vocals
• Suzie Vinnick - Vocals
• Wayne Deadder - Guitars & Vocals
• Russ Boswell - Bass
• Dave Dunlop - Trumpet
• Sabine Casson - Vocals 
• Nan McAneney  - Spoken Voice

Links: Johnny Max, More Johnny Max Stories, Album above courtesy of Bandcamp

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Steve Strongman and Jordan John Add Sparkle to Roly Platt's Tremendous Solo Album

Toronto harpmaster Roly Platt has been on the blues music scene for decades as an award-winning sideman.  For Inside Out, his tremendous first solo album, he's enlisted the help of Hamilton Blues superstar Steve Strongman and the fabulous soulman Jordan John from Oakville.

Roly showcases his artistic mastery of the harmonica in the many soulful and funky instrumentals, He also makes some great choices for instrumental covers (Over the Rainbow, I Got A Woman, Georgia on My Mind) and does justice them all.  There's also a couple of great vocal tracks (mostly featuring the aforementioned Mr. Strongman and Mr. John).

Together with John Tilden (Guitar), Russ Boswell (Bass) Al Cross (Drums) and Lance Anderson (Keys) the band create a powerful vibe. This is definitely a kick-ass team!

The album can be bought and downloaded through Roly's site or purchased through iTunes.



Video above courtesy of Roly Platt



Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Blast from the Past: Video of Roly Playing with Suzie Vinnick

Links: Roly Platt, More Roly Platt Stories, More Releases

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