A True Funkmaster - I first heard Johnny while stationed in Australia, of all places. Luckily, we had a D.J. who was really up on his music - especially Funk and Soul. As soon as I heard Mr. Watson coming from the speakers, I just HAD to know who was making that driving, funky sound. I had to wait for the next supply ship to make it to our out-in-the-bush-on-the-edge-of-the-world Naval base (about two months) before I got my own copy of this album, but it was worth the wait. Between Rick James, Parliament, and Johnny Guitar Watson, it is a toss-up as to who is the funkiest. But, while the music is great, it is only half of the goods. Johnny s lyrics are the other half, and they are witty, funny, sometimes a social commentary (even then they are still funny and witty). The rest of his band is also excellent, espcially the drummer, whose beat is so perfectly right-on that he could have been born with a metronome up his...well, you get the picture. His bassist is always pretty much in the background, but now and then you get to hear his expertise. Regarding Johnny s playing - his middle name isn t Guitar for nothing. He is quite accomplished, and can play smooth and sweet, or he can do some truly heavy-handed plunking. One thing that has amazed me since that night I first heard this album/CD is the wide range and variety of people with quite different musical tastes who have embraced this music immediately upon hearing it for the first time. This stuff is infectious! You can t help snapping your fingers or tapping your toes...and it is always upbeat. And, while the Isley Brothers, and Phillip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire are considered about the best crooners to inspire, ummm, uhhh, errr whoopie-making sessions, when Mr. Watson sets his mind to singing a love song with feeling, he really does it, and does so with passion, verve, and a raised voice. This is not your Barry White, softly crooned, sweetly gentle, love song. Anyway, give it a shot. If you like the funk of the 70 s and 80 s, there s better than a 9 out of 10 chance that you will be glad you tried this artist.
the gangster of love - johnny guitar watson was one of a kind. even while his career spanned more than 40 years, up until the time he died onstage at a concert in japan, he always adapted to different musical trends, while staying true to himself all at the same time. his sound is his own, no matter what kind of music he was playing. this album is from the 70 s his funk period, wherein he put out a lot of great funky sounding albums, including lone ranger, love jones, funk beyond the call of duty, a real mother for ya, ain t that a bitch, and others.
A REAL MOTHER FOR YA! - WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT JOHNNY GUITAR WATSON? HE S ALL THAT AND MORE! A FINE DISPLAY OF CLASSIC R&B, FUNK, AND BLUES!