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Johnny King & Friends—Call It Confusion—Sol Island Music

Johnny entered the world of blues music when he began to

learn the drums by playing in his father's band Hot Rod Lincoln,
at the age of fifteen in his home town of Clifton Forge, Virginia.
He has now, been playing music for over twenty years. Chang-
ing his preferred instruments to slide and lead guitar, he also
plays rhythm guitar, five-string bass, Hammond organ, key-
boards, mandolin, and trumpet. Johnny is on lead vocals and
guitar; he has written or co-written eleven of the songs here, he
also sits in the producers’ chair.

Over twenty years worth of material and over twenty four musicians have, over time, contrib-
uted to this album with the overall effect of it delivering a brash, “nose to the grindstone”
approach, which definitely dazzles the senses. Johnny’s brusque vocals and aggressive blues
guitar approach certainly take one by surprise, as can be heard on the opener ‘Call It Confu-
sion’, which contains the powerful drum work of Buddy Miles that was recorded at an earlier
session, with Bobby Rush on harmonica and the horn section in full flight, we are treated to a

crisp, rich guitar, harmonica, horns and burning organ, all enjoyably and enthusiastically
racing to the finish.

A slow starting Southern Gothic ‘Lyric Fountain Station’, features T.C. Coleman and Robert
Brown Jr. simultaneously pounding the drums underpinning the Mofro horn section and
burning organ, of Big Jim Syfrett, as the music morphs into a chilli burning infused salsa, with
Johnny’s lyrical guitar at the forefront. The more sedate swampy feel of ‘Savannah Red’,
features a lyrical guitar and trumpet, while over the top, Johnny sings the praises of Dr. John

and his Voodoo Queen.

There is a splendid Delta feel, on ‘Oh My Captain’, the haunting harmonica from Bobby Rush
and delicate acoustic guitar lays a solid foundation for the emotion filled vocals, from the
gospel choir of “Roanoke Voices Praise Team”. Johnny emotionally declares his life’s mission,
on the solemn paced, slowburning ‘God’s Own Blues’, solid support is given by The Dirty
Dozen Brass Band while stalwart New Orleans bass player, George Porter holds a solid bass
line and Shannon Wickline of The Charlie Daniels Band delivers a burning B3, while over the

top, Johnny testifies; delivering a ferocious vocal and guitar.

Bobby Rush, Tony TC Coleman and Johnny deliver a splendidly melancholy slow blues ser-
mon, with ‘Political Blues’, sombre trudging horns, dark tinkling piano and a morose guitar all
add to the feeling of despair. On a lighter note, we have the enjoyably funky, strutting ‘Itchin’
At The Root’, rising, burning horns and a singeing organ are to the fore. Bobby Rush’s calming
and comforting vocal on this slowly rolling version of Slim Harpo’s ‘I’m A King Bee’, is accom-

panied by a rich, drawling and stinging guitar feel and is just as effective as the original.

Bobby, easily stakes his claim as he amply displays his vital capacities as an eighty nine year
old.

Very impressive!

Brian Harman.