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| The Soul Of John Black Expands The Vocabulary Of R&B The Soul of John Black - the new musical project of John Bigham – will release the remarkable new album 'Black John' on February 17, 2009, via Eclecto Groove Records. John's previous albums have left critics enraptured. He has been dubbed "amazing" by Rolling Stone and "spine-tingling" by Interview Magazine. Esquire Magazine called Bigham "a testament to the strength of African American music... Bigham's anguished wail will grab your gut and turn it inside out." All Music Guide has lauded his " seductive mash of old-school funk, minimal rhythms, Donny Hathaway-tough soul, roots-style hip-hop." The Soul of John Black constructs in-the-cut grooves that support each song; listeners may be reminded of the ways Stevie Wonder, The Roots and Sly and the Family Stone weave African-American musical genres. The album is also layered with expert slide licks from Bigham's classic Stella guitar, a beloved pawn shop special. As All Music Guide puts it, "these cats can write their asses off." The songs - alternately fiery and reflective but all infused with a down-to-earth humor and dynamism - range from the summertime funk groove of "Betty Jean" to the near-mythic persona of "Black John, " a 21st century campfire blues tale. The intimate "Thinking About You" strips down to Bigham's fingerpicked guitar and hushed vocals. Bigham stirs the pot with elements of funk, gospel, blues, soul, folk, hip hop, Afro-beat, rock and roll, and contemporary urban rhythms. In creating 'Black John, ' Bigham is backed by notable musicians Adam McDougal (Black Crowes, Macy Gray, Maroon 5, Nikka Costa), Oliver Charles on drums (Ben Harper, Rhythm Roots All-Stars), Scott Seiver on drums (Nikka Costa, Inara George), Jake Najor on drums (Breakestra), Shawn Davis on bass (Beck, Nikka Costa), Davey Chegwidden on percussion (Rhythm Roots All-Stars, Ghost Face Killer, Big Daddy Kane), and Bill Botrell on guitar (Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne). One of the most eclectic musicians of our time and a staple on the Los Angeles music scene, John Bigham has collaborated with the likes of Fishbone, Miles Davis, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Nikka Costa. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |