DVD/CD Format
By: Brian D Holland
Johnny A. was the exemplary sideman in the late ’90s when he decided to become a solo artist. At a time when instrumental guitarists were moving toward cliché, one might wonder why he even wanted to make such a move. After all, he doesn’t sing, jump around on stage, or shred a bazillion notes a minute. However, the Malden, Massachusetts, born and bred performer is one of very few, contemporary solo guitarists in particular, who can get away with a no frills, candid performance. With that said, it’s because of the amazing melodies and tones he conjures from his Gibson signature Johnny A. electric guitar (as well as a couple of others). The stylish player flaunts an amazing array of techniques, each of which are used to execute a particular arrangement. And even though he’s very much the architect of his own sound, his potpourri can be compared to the likes of Danny Gatton and Dick Dale at one end of the spectrum, and Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix at the other. He executes all of this with a down-to-earth persona and stage presence sensibility.
Johnny modestly states at the start of this DVD, “Someone once said that your style is sometimes formulated from your inabilities, whereas someone who has complete technical prowess might not end up having a voice. But someone who might not have the facility to do all of those things will find ways to get what they want to get, and in so, develop a style.” He ends it saying, “That might be what happened to me.” These inspirational and confidence building words can be valued by any artist. Most musicians, at one time or another, have known what it’s like to be in search of their true voice and style amid the imperceptible brick wall that’s present to separate limited ability from the diversity that’s needed to become an appealing stylist. In watching this video, it’s truly inspirational to see and hear the incredible music Johnny A. creates, while keeping in mind his ability to be a diverse soloist. I’m sure you’ll agree that he’s certainly a humble player, which has a lot to do with his success as well as his sound.
Scullers Jazz Club is where it’s at, the Boston staple that’s been home to many jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and R&B legends since 1989. Johnny, sitting stage front with his signature axe in hand, opens with his own “I Had To Laugh.” A song with an indistinct blend of jazz, country, and rockabilly sounds, the instrumental melody is coerced along by Johnny’s tasteful guitar voice, as well as his remarkable right hand finger and picking technique. The last note dwindles and segues nicely into “Sing Singin’,” which also contains that unique Johnny A. style. He adds just the right amount of distortion and volume to these songs.
“Lullabye for Nicole,” from his debut CD “Sometime Tuesday Morning,” is next. Johnny explains that although the song is dedicated to his daughter of the same name, it existed in unfinished form long before she was born. Her coming into being was the inspiration for finishing the beautiful song. Reminiscent of surf guitar at times because of its strident reverberation, a potently clean guitar resonance wields the melody in a breathtaking manner. Also from the same album, a song that needs no introduction to JA fans, “Two Wheel Horse” also contains that utterly clean guitar sound and gorgeous tone.
Johnny utilizes his knack for exerting gorgeous tone into existing melodies, especially in “Walk Away Renee” and his familiar take on “Wichita Lineman.” He also does a nice take on Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary.” And although these songs are ideal examples of his romantic and fully clear sound, he jumps to the other end of the spectrum and awes the audience with “Jimi Jam,” a dedication to his favorite rock guitarist. But the amazing instrumental does more than lay reference to Hendrix. Amid a manifold of energy levels and vibes, the multi style arrangement soars off on diverse tangents. It displays Johnny’s sundry ability brilliantly, and the fact that he can rise to the dramatic level of any rock soloist.
“One November Night” is a dual-disc DVD/CD, which is how all music DVD’s should be packaged. Since Johnny’s in perfect form at the acoustically sound Scullers in Boston, I’m sure most would agree that it’s nice that they included an audio disc as well, for the car or anywhere. After all, the music is what it’s all about. Each disc contains a slightly different track listing, which adds to the appeal of the overall package.
Guitar: Johnny A.
Bass: Jesse Bastos
Drums: Chris Farr
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