Label; Independent 

 

Johnny Ticktin who is based in the Washington DC area has been playing the blues for thirty-five years now and began playing the guitar at the tender age of six years old but, before he made playing music his life’s work he firstly, gained a good education in the form of a Psychology Degree from the University of Miami. Rather than pursue a career in the medical profession he dived headlong into the world of music. Over the years Johnny has worked with such legends as; Jerry Lee Lewis. Louisiana Red, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Eddie Taylor, James Cotton and Nina Simone  to name but a few. On this selection of warm and very entertaining ten covers, the core band consists of Johnny; vocals and lead guitar with Tam Sullivan; piano, organ and Dru Lore; guitar. The confident versatility of Johnny is well displayed here with his choice of numbers covered, first one out of the speakers is Magic Sam’s “That’s All I need”, a sweetly delivered mellow tremolo carries the number and Johnny’s unhurried and comfortable delivery relaxes the listener. From the first few numbers in we find that the atmosphere of the album is one of a warm and welcoming blues club. A grooving and glowing organ drives “Body and Fender Man”, while the crisp and seductively ringing guitar drives you comfortably on home. “Chicken House”, is given a jaunty, rolling and tumbling rockabilly feel which is rather pleasant on the ears. Elmore James “Shake Your Money Maker”, features a rather tantalising and grooving fuzzy slide guitar over an irresistibly punching percussion. Link Wray’s “Ace of Spades”, is given a coolly laidback feel as the immersive twanging guitar emits a pleasantly shoulder shifting resonance.

Greatly endorsed!

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Brian Harman