Johnny Roth Vu Jah DE'

Vu Jah De'' is Johnny Roth's long awaited second CD release since his 2003 album titled 'still not talkin''. It consists of 8 all original instrumental tracks. Vu Jah De' review by Peter Hund Fans of Allman Brothers Band instrumentals are guaranteed to love this tastefully executed instrumental electric guitar album with plenty of slide. But besides the southern-rock vibe, Pennsylvania-based Roth impressively channels jazz masters such as Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour and, to a lesser extent but just as effectively, funk greats like Steve Cropper and Leo Nocentelli. Southern rock is foremost among Roth's influences, as evidenced on kick-off track "Lakota," a blues-jazz number featuring interplay between guitar and keyboards along the lines of Dickey Betts and Chuck Leavell circa "Brothers and Sisters." On the jazzier side, the title track fuses smooth-jazz sounds with reggae for an effect akin to Steely Dan's "Haitian Divorce." "Funki Taki" is all the name implies, with more Leavell-sounding piano and some nice Takamine EF261s acoustic/electric fretwork (Roth uses a 1956 Les Paul on the rest of the CD), recalling both Sea Level and SD. The rocking "Machu Picchu" and bluesy "Slow Burn" contain that Hammond B-3 sound Gregg Allman is so famous for. On the former, it's paired note for note with guitar, like on the classic ABB instrumental "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" but with a rolling bass line added. "North Delta Heat" also is a highlight, with nods to multiple ABB songs including "Revival," "Dreams" and "Jessica." For his sophomore effort, Roth again produces, engineers and mixes and plays all the instruments - with the exception of drums on the title track and "North Delta Heat," which are provided by his brother Barry. goodnewmusic.com - Peter Hund Johnny Roth's music can best be described as all instrumental, original electric blues that is fuel injected with funk, jazz and rock. His songs display a unique style with contagious melodies interwoven with tasteful slide guitar. Having extensive live performance and studio experience, Johnny eventually released his debut CD 'Still Not Talkin'' in 2003. Every song on the CD was written, arranged and performed by Johnny. In 2005 he put together an experienced line-up of musicians to form the Johnny Roth Band. This rhythm section, consisting of bass, keys and drums, has an exceptional feel for his tunes and are solid and passionate in their presentation. They are hardworking musicians who give no less than 100% at every performance. Johnny grew up in Pennsylvania idolizing the usual guitar heroes like Hendrix, Clapton and Beck but soon fell under the spell of southern rockers Dickey Betts and Duane Allman. It was their tasteful melodic style that left a tremendous impression on him and traces of them still influence his style today. Johnny is currently based in St. Petersburg, FL and has completed his second all instrumental CD, Vu Jah De', which consists of 8 all-original tracks. CBZ.