Sugarcane Soulman
Even though he doesn't quite fit, Bonefish Johnny has found his place. For years he has been happily crossing over between the blues, funk and jamband scenes.
"That used to make me 'alternative', but nowadays it just means I was ahead of my time," jokes the driving force behind legendary funk rock act Groove Thangs and the eclectic barband Shack Daddys.
With his new Funky Roots Revue, Bonefish Johnny continues to craft his signature brand of "sugarcane soul" music, blending it live on stage with guest stars like the enigmatic Raiford Starke. Standout players plus an original repertoire make the Bonefish Johnny show still one of the best nights you can have musically anywhere.
Meanwhile Johnny keeps issuing tuneage from his bungalow hideout, marooned in the swamp yet plenty wired. Groove Thangs' "60 Somethin'" (from 2009's Loose Ends) was created via email and Bonefish acts out on YouTube, producing everything from a shopping show to video mash-ups of himself jamming with ancient blues legends.
"Davie Allan meets Dennis Coffey at the grindhouse"
It's video mash-up's that comprise The Groovy Guitar of Bonefish Johnny, a new six song EP of original instrumentals masquerading as an album side.
Fuzzed out wah wah jams and throwaway strip twang underscore film clips of 70's car chases, kung fu fighting and sleazy go-go girls. "Davie Allan meets Dennis Coffey at the grindhouse" is how Bonefish describes this melange of retro exploitation riffs and celluloid kicks.
(Notes by Otto L'Cutor, Big Cypress Records)
©2011, JFS