Johnny O Band's River in the Sky

The latest release from the Johnny O Band, River in the Sky, has echoes of some of the great blues guitarists of the past.

John Ohnmacht (Johnny O) notes strong influences of guitar legends such as B.B. King and Albert King on his music in his liner notes, but River does not lack its own identity. The essential 12-step blues-band output is intensified by a healthy dose of funk and rock, creating a unique hybrid.

The first track of the album, "Satisfaction Blues," establishes the Johnny O Band as a blues band. This song strictly follows the easily recognizable conventions of blues song format. The characteristic stepladder bass pattern, combined with lyrical repetition and intermittent guitar solos, makes good use of a good formula.

The second track, "Old Shotgun," alters this conventional blues pattern with a bass line that is clearly derived from funk. This influence continues to appear in varying levels of prominence for the remainder of the album. Tracks such as "Feelin' Good" and "Y2K" speak to this funk influence, while other songs such as "To Stay in the Line" seem to cater to the more Puritan blues fans.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this album is the large variety of genres and emotions that are incorporated into the songs. As their names suggest, songs such as "Cold and Hungry" and "Bad Feeling" effectively define "the blues". Other songs on the album, however, are upbeat and positive. "Sunship," for example, takes a step away from the blues in favor of simple, feel-good rock and roll.

Ohnmacht's high-quality voice radiates soul, and his work with the guitar is dynamic. Bassist John Tendall and drummer Jimmy Yozell lay a sturdy foundation on every track.

This album has many moods. It should be popular with blues fans, and, due to its loose adherence to blues conventions, it might well serve to convert those who have not yet developed a taste for the genre.