Back To Reviews page

The Soul of John Black - Black John

Electro Groove Records

Run Time: 51:01

He’s been a session man for everyone from Dr. Dre and Everlast to Bruce Hornsby, Nikka Costa and Miles Davis. John “JB” Bigham is the heart and soul of the neo-soul/funk band The Soul of John Black. On his third release, The Soul of John Black turns on the funky retro grooves and doesn’t let up.

If you are looking for a set of something to get up and bump to, try on this 12-track set here.From the opening number and title track to the ode to 70s female funkster Betty Davis “Betty Jean,” The Soul of John Black brings back the sounds of funky Isley Brothers, the more soulful side of the Ohio Players, Philadelphia Soul, and adding in roots elements a la funky Albert King styled guitar grooves and this one stays in the pocket from start to finish.

Blues fans won’t find much blues here. This one is more of a straight-up folk funk number. However, contemporary and on the fringe blues fans will ultimately recognize Bigham’s tips of the hat in lyrics and guitar playing to past electric blues greats. If your taste falls in line with more Nikka Costa, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, G Love & the Special Sauce, or the funkier sides of Everlast and Sublime; then you might want to pick up this set.

The groove doesn’t stray and there are plenty of danceable tracks here to get this to crossover to the AAA radio format. Bigham has worked with some of the best in any genre, so it’s no doubt that this is a veteran piece of funky goodness..

Reviewed by Ben "the Harpman" Cox. Visit his website Juke Joint Soul

 To submit a review or interview please contact:





 
Home  |  Contact  |  Submit Your Blues News - Advertise with IllinoisBlues.com
 
 Copyright -
http://www.IllinoisBlues.com 2007 - Design by:  www.ClickstarUSA.com