The Soul of John Black: Black John

thesoulofjohnblack_blackjohnSeamless blend of blues, R&B, funk and soul

The third album from guitarist John Bigham (Fishbone, Miles Davis) continues to explore the intersection of blues, R&B, funk and soul. Having co-founded the group with bassist Chris Thomas for 2003’s eponymous debut, he assumed the lion’s share of artistic control on 2007’s The Good Girl Blues, and here provides the songs, vocals, guitar and production. Blues and gospel provide the underlying progressions, but this is anything but “straight eight,” with electric bass and piano guiding the music towards the blend of soul, R&B and funk heard on the group’s first album. But neither is this a mash-up of styles, as the elements are smoothly absorbed into the whole, rather than stitched together patchwork-style. Bigham’s guitar is here, but it’s his elegant and thoughtful vocals that are the album’s star, with elements of Al Green, Prince, Sly Stone Lenny Kravitz, and Isaac Hayes all figuring into the results. Fans of old-school funk, ‘70s soul and contemporary blues will all find this to their liking. [©2009 hyperbolium dot com]

MP3 | Black John (Radio Edit)
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