Will Johns
By Mike O’Cull
British bluesman and old soul Will Johns pays tribute to the greats of yesteryear in a beautiful and sincere way on his new album Bluesdaddy. Out April 22nd, 2021 on the Galetone Records imprint, the record finds guitarist/vocalist Johns in top form working his way through 11 blues classics from the likes of B.B. King, Tommy Tucker, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters plus one original track. Johns recorded the set at Brighton Electric Studios during limited periods of eased Covid-19 restrictions with the rhythm section of Chris Gale (drums) and Richard Sadler (bass) behind him. The three players set up and recorded everything live in the studio, an old school, rough-and-tumble approach that allowed them to capture the true energy and flow of this music. The resulting takes are drenched in blues tradition yet fully contemporary and well able to rock the modern world.
Will Johns is a virtuoso guitarist and singer of the finest kind. His licks are hot, his tone is nasty, and his vocals are strident and compelling. Even cooler, he’s a descendant of true rock royalty. His father is famed record producer Andy Johns (Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton) and his mother is actress/model Paula Boyd, sister of Pattie. Some of his uncles are Eric Clapton, Mick Fleetwood, George Harrison, and Glyn Johns, as well. Happily, Will more than lives up to his impressive lineage and proves it with every note he plays. His blues style is deep and intuitive and based in his true love and understanding of the genre. Listening to him tackle these standards is endlessly entertaining and should quickly grab the attention of blues fans everywhere.
Johns starts his party with a swinging stab at “Every Day I Have The Blues” guaranteed to get any crowd up and moving. His vocals are slick and lively as he runs the verses down and his guitar parts crackle with dirt and reverb. The band grooves mightily along and a bit of horn and organ ices the cake. This is the genuine roof-raising medicine your soul needs right now and is sure to get you headed in the right direction. Johns also gets lowdown on another B.B. King-associated tune, “Don’t You Wanna Man Like Me,” which is also the record’s lead single. He and the players rub its syncopated pocket just right and keep it all rolling along. Johns’ guitar lines are sharp and concise, channeling a vital energy that gets right to the point.
Tommy Tucker’s eternal “High Heel Sneakers” gets a rollicking treatment that injects much new fire into this familiar song. Johns’ guitar tone remains overdriven and mean, which adds flavor and urgency to his already kinetic playing. His solos are slashing and exciting across the song’s big beat and hit the target dead-on. Johns uses the slow blues classic “Sweet Little Angel” to put on a guitar clinic demonstrating the art of proper phrasing. He gets the vocal/guitar balance just right, making this call-and-response tune vibe as intended. He uses space and sound to create the tension and drama needed to keep you glued to your speakers longing for the next note. If you like this song, you’ll love this version.
Will’s original title cut “Bluesdaddy” is a gentle slide guitar song about a guy who is a dad now but still plays the blues everywhere he goes. It’s a good-natured romp that makes for an enjoyable gear shift in and among all of these legendary tunes. Speaking of legendary, be sure to catch Johns having his way with “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “I Just Want To Make Love To You.” Bluesdaddy is nothing but fun from end to end and deserves a spot in all of our record collections. Treat yourself to a spin.
Will Johns Online
Love the album cover….love the sound of the organ in the background….and that big band sound…excellent sound…great guitar-playing
Well written. I loved what I’ve listened to so far.
This has quickly become one of my top 5 albums of all time. Absolutely a must buy. You can’t fault a single note – gorgeous and unique in every way.