JOHNNY RAWLS

WAITING FOR THE TRAIN

2017-10-12

Johnny Rawls has a silky- smooth voice that he has employed in the service of his own tunes and as a background singer for the likes of Z.Z. Hill, Joe Tex, O.V. Wright and a host of others. On this follow up to his chart-topping Tiger In a Cage, Rawls explores his last ride to glory on the moody "Waiting for the Train", his joy at a new love on the Bobby Womack penned "I’m in Love", the hypocrisy of the fun-time crowd in Vegas who praise God for their success at the table but damn him for the rolls that go bad," Las Vegas", and the amorous neighbors who move their bed with the fury of an earthquake on the funky, horn-driven, "California Shake". He also lays down a cautionary tale about the perils of playing things a bit too cute, "Blackjack Was a Gambler" and even works his way through Dylan’s oft-covered "I Shall Be Released", which he imbues with a solid gospel feel compliments of the sympathetic background vocals of Janelle Thompson and Shakara Weston. Those that have Rawls slotted into the soul-blues category will be rewarded with his great readings of the Tyrone Davis classic, "Turning Point", and Syl Johnson’s "We Did It". He also reveals a rocker’s heart on "Rain Keep Falling (‘Til I’m Free)" which could fit comfortably on a Huey Lewis disc. Throughout, his all-star band provides solid support as he swoops and glides over the big horn charts and tasteful guitar licks. Don’t miss this train.

SMITTY

review by Mark

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Space Orphan
    Shut up About The Sun

  • reviewed 01/2011

    DEVON ALLMAN'S HONEYTRIBE
    SPACE AGE BLUES

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Rob Paparozzi And The Ed Palermo Big Band
    Electric Butter

  • reviewed 11/2012

    JASON VIVONE AND THE BILLY BATS
    Lather Rinse Repeat

  • reviewed 06/2010

    JOHN NEMETH
    Name the Day

  • reviewed 04/2014

    THE BAMBOOS
    Fever In The Road

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.