Following up on the surprising success of last year's cult favorite The Hope Song (recorded live at the Brass Guitar), John Ryan releases Unsung Gumbo to a small, but fiercely loyal fan base thirsting for more. And he delivers. Fueled by obvious frustration with his lack of commercial success despite being a critics' darling, Ryan lashes out at a tasteless record-buying public with If I Flashed, Would You Buy?, a clever, bitter nod to his androgynous good looks and the state of the music industry. P.S. I Faked It Too is an ode to bruised egos of love gone bad, while Dat's Going To Be a Tough Row to 'Ho chronicles the difficult life of a sweet young thing turned pro. His tight backup compadres include Boz Scaggs (guitar/backing vocals), Rodney "Plaid' Greaves (bass guitar/slide trombone) and Wil Suzkins (drums/percussion). David Sanborn (sax) and Stevie Ray Parsons (muted trumpet), billed as the Horny Horns, texture several of the tracks nicely. All in all, a very fine effort from a largely undiscovered gem of an artist (and a peach of a guy).
The playlist:
1. If I Flashed, Would You Buy?
2. JohnnyFest
3. Struttin' Down Center Street
4. P.S. I Faked It Too
5. Psychologically I'm Fine, But I Could Use Some Fresh-Ground Pepper
6. How Do You Like Them Apples?
7. Dat's Going To Be a Tough Row to 'Ho
8. You Ain't Tina, Honey, But I'll Slap Your Face Anyways
9. I Brought the Dog Home, But She Wasn't Trained
10. Lazin' On Magazine
All songs written/sung by John Ryan; copyright 2006 Johnny Gumbo Music
3 comments:
Where can I order this instant classic????
I love Boz Scaggs, but must confess I've never heard of John Ryan or any of the other band members except David Sanborn. From the review, Ryan's a force to be reckoned with, both artistically and personally, and I intend to buy this CD immediately.
Rodney 'Plaid' Greaves is primo bass, man!!!
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