Planet Full Of Blues

Artist Information

Biography

Planet Full of Blues is a versatile, seasoned, and professional blues/rock band, offering the option of horns, keyboards, and rhythm guitar to promoters and venues who are seeking a bigger, brassier sound. Live performances include a mix of originals and covers by favorite blues masters BB King, Tommy Castro, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Popa Chubby, Freddie King, and others. PFOB’s sound reflects the best of today’s progressive blues/rock.

Booking: Tharon Greene - (804) 815-3016
Email: tharongreene@cox.net
Website: www.planetfullofblues.com
MySpace: www.myspace.com/planetfullofblues


Debut CD – “Planet Full Of Blues”

Recording on the Blue Beak Record Label

Full length, professionally recorded CD released in August 2008; produced at Awe Struck Studios, Kansas City; 11 compelling original songs. CD featured on Blues Festival Guide Magazine's E-Guide E-Newsletter Sept 5, 2008; to see our other CD reviews click the "Press" button above.

CD remained on the national Roots Blues Charts for over 30 weeks in 2008.

Live Performances

• 100’s of club gigs across the eastern US

• Beach Street USA Music Festival 2008 – 13
Performances - Virginia Beach, VA

• Oceanview Crab & Seafood Festival - Norfolk,
VA

• Blue Mondays – Natchel Blues Network -
Virginia Beach, VA

• Host Band for multiple Natchel Blues Network
fundraisers - Norfolk, VA

• Host Band for multiple River City Blues Society
fundraisers- Richmond, VA

• Concert On The Green – County Parks &
Recreation- Gloucester, VA

• Hampton Bay Days Festival - Hampton, VA

• Oyster Point Mid-Week - Multiple
Performances – Newport News, VA

• Cajun Seafood Festival & Bayou Boogaloo -
Norfolk, VA

• Opening act for Steppenwolf - Hampton Bay
Days Festival - Hampton, VA

• Urbanna Oyster Festival – Urbanna, VA

• Opening act for The Outlaws - Hampton Bay
Days Festival - Hampton, VA


PFOB on the Radio

WHRV-FM – Norfolk, VA – “Shot Of the Blues” & “Out Of The Box”

Live 365.com (USA) & Shoutcast (UK) - USA & Paris, France – “Midnight Special Blues”

Radio Holstebro, 97.4 - Denmark

Javeriana Estereo 91.9 FM - Bogota, Columbia

"Boom Boom" Blues Rock Radio Show, VFM RADIO 91.6 MHz - Vinkovci, Croatia.

WGLT Radio - Illinois State University

"Nothing But The Blues", www.topblues.com

NewOrleansRadio.com - Lagniappe.la

"Out O' The Blue Radio Review" - WCVE, Richmond, VA

KOQX Internet Radio

iRADIO LA – INDIE-104

94.1 FM – Skopje, Macedonia – “Mojo Blues”

Blues Radio UK - www.bluesradio.co.uk

FM Radio in France:

BEAUB FM 89
KAOLIN FM 88.4
RMJ FM 90.1
RADIO VASSIVIERE 88.6 & 92.3
BRAM' FM 98.3
RADIO TROUBLE FETE 95.4
BRENIGES FM 95.6

"Blues Train FM" - The Netherlands

"Bluestimen" - Radio Ung, Kristiansand, Norway
Air: FM 106.9 - Web: http://www.radioung.no/






Sales and Distribution

International distribution and/or sales of CD - now available on the following sites with more purchase opportunities coming:

• CD Baby
• Digstation
• Super D
• Ruckus
• Amie Street
• Groupie Tunes
• Apple iTunes
• Tradebit
• GreatIndieMusic
• Inprodicon
• PayPlay
• rVibe

New CD available at:

• CD Baby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/pfoblues);

• DIGSTATION
(http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB00 0021852).

For more information, please go to:
www.planetfullofblues.com
MySpace.com/planetfullofblues
Email us at info@planetfullofblues.com.
Don't forget to sign up for PFOB's newsletter - it's on our website.

Instrumentation

Johnny Ray Light - Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting
Brock Howe - Drums, Vocals, Songwriting
Mike Connell on Bass and Vocals
Various Artists on Horns, Guitars, Vocals, & Keyboards.

Discography

* "Planet Full Of Blues Live at Blues Stock Festival Belgrade, Serbia." Full length DVD recorded live June 2009.

* "Planet Full Of Blues." A full length self-produced and self-titled CD, released in August 2008 has remained on the National Blues Roots Chart for over 30 weeks. Radio air play began almost immediately. CD available at cdbaby.com, digstation.com., and planetfullofblues.com

Official Website

http://www.planetfullofblues.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace

Audio

• Pain Will Melt Away
  Listen  
• Got The Blues
  Listen  
• Planet Full Of Blues
  Listen  
• Money
  Listen  
• When Will You See Things My Way
  Listen  
• Man Tamer
  Listen  
• E-Jam
  Listen  
• You Can't Always Be Right
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Pain Will Melt Away
• Planet Full Of Blues
• Money

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Virginian Pilot [+ Show ]
  

  November 14, 2008 Gloucester Band's Disc Delivers Blues Chops Gloucester's Planet Full Of B...November 14, 2008
  
  Gloucester Band's Disc Delivers Blues Chops
  
  Gloucester's Planet Full Of Blues has released a self-titled, 11-song album that is just plain smokin' hot. Fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan's blazin' guitar licks should take note.
  
  Clad in dapper black suits, hats and shades, guitarist/singer Johnny Ray Light and drummer Brock Howe - the main ingredients in Planet - have a decidedly Blues Brothers shtick goin' on, and they've got the groove to back it up.
  
  "Got The Blues" is an infectious dance track featuring the Hammond B3 organ work of guest Paul Draper, with loads of lightening-quick six-string injections from Light.
  
  The title track and "Pain Will Melt Away" are highlighted nicely with the horn power of saxophonist Richard Yeager and trumpeter Eric Stark. "Miss Her Smile" and "Coming From A Friend" rock in a more subdued, Eric Clapton sort of way.
  
  The band plans to tour Europe in the summer, with a June 27 slot at the Voxstock Festival in Belgrade confirmed.

• Mary4Music.com [+ Show ]
  

  The nucleus of PLANET FULL OF BLUES is the duo of JOHNNY RAY LIGHT on Guitars & Lead Vocals and BROC...The nucleus of PLANET FULL OF BLUES is the duo of JOHNNY RAY LIGHT on Guitars & Lead Vocals and BROCK HOWE on Drums & Background Vocals. Their self titled release "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", which consists of eleven originals by JOHNNY, features the following special guests: JAMES ALBRIGHT on Bass; ERIC STARK on Trumpets and Horn Arrangements; RICHARD YEAGER on Saxophones; PAUL DRAPER on Hammond B3 Organ; and LARRY GANN on Percussion and Background Vocals. I'd also like to give credit to BETTY "MS. SHABOOM" CREDLE......not so much for being the discs Cover Model, but for the great sense of humor she obviously has.
  
  Seeking medical help for his ailments, JOHNNY felt a bit relieved when his doctor said "There's nothing wrong with you.....you "GOT THE BLUES". Avoiding the 'Take two aspirin and call me in the morning' remedy, Johnny's doctor flat out told him "There's nothing you can do, when you got the blues - you just gotta move your shoes". Alright Doc! This track features great vocals and hot guitar from JOHNNY and fierce rhythm from BROCK, JAMES and PAUL on the drums, bass & Hammond. Real good stuff right here.
  
  "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", The title track and bands moniker, is one of three tracks that will have you wishing ERIC & RICHARD appeared on more than just these three - their horns are fabulous and certainly one of this tracks highlights. The others are BROCK creating a frenzy on the drums and more strong vocals and guitar from JRL.
  
  Slowing things down a bit is a beautiful ballad titled "COMING FROM A FRIEND". The whole bands fallen into a soothing groove and it sounds real nice. Although I've heard a slight resemblance to Blood, Sweat & Tears since the opening, JOHNNY'S vocals will surely perk up the David Clayton-Thomas fans ears.
  
  If you like your blues on the funky side, then here's one for your "MONEY". ERIC & RICHARD are back on the horns, and with killer company from BROCK & JAMES on drums and bass, they're funkin' this one up big time. If you're not movin' while this one's on then either you ears or your arteries are clogged.
  
  By now, you all know what it means when I say a particular track on a disc is my personal favorite. On "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", that track is "MAN TAMER" - and yes, it's 'cause it the bluesiest track of them all. With the rhythm section in just the right spot behind them, JOHNNY & PAUL shine. Of course, there are some great blues guitar licks and gritty vocals from JOHNNY and PAUL - at discs best, has that Hammond hummin'. Replays are in order here.
  
  Other tracks on "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", include: "PAIN WILL MELT AWAY", "YOU CAN'T ALWAYS BE RIGHT", "MISS HER SMILE", "DIRTY PAINS", "WHEN WILL YOU SEE THINGS MY WAY" and a fast and frenzied closing instrumental called "E-JAM".

• Blues Bytes [+ Show ]
  

  One of Virginia’s hottest blues bands is Planet Full Of Blues. The three-piece band is fronted by Jo...One of Virginia’s hottest blues bands is Planet Full Of Blues. The three-piece band is fronted by Johnny Ray Light, who sings, plays guitar, and writes most of the songs, and is driven by a powerhouse rhythm section of Brock Howe (drums) and recent addition Mike Connell (bass). On occasion, they add a horn section to great effect. Their repertoire includes a mix of Texas and Chicago blues, Memphis soul and even rock & roll.
  
  Their self-titled, self-released debut recording backs up this claim strongly. It’s an 11 song set with emphasis on high-energy blues and rock. Highlights include the horn-driven opening cut, “Pain Will Melt Away” and “Planet Full Of Blues.” “Got The Blues” features plenty of Light’s muscular guitar work, as does “You Can’t Always Be Right,” and “E-Jam,” the disc’s too-short closer. “Money” takes a funky turn, as does “Dirty Pains,” courtesy of guest Planeteer James Albright’s nasty bass (Connell was not a member when the album was recorded). The strongest pure blues cut is “Man Tamer,” which borrows the “I’m A Man/Mannish Boy” riff.
  
  Other guest musicians lending a hand are Paul Draper, with some terrific Hammond B3 organ on selected tracks, Eric Stark, who plays trumpet and arranged the horns, and Richard Yeager on saxophone. Co-producer (with Light) Larry Gann also adds percussion and backing vocals.
  
  Planet Full Of Blues offers a powerful set of blues, boogie, and rock that will please their fans and any interested newcomers. Check this CD out at www.cdbaby.com or visit one of the band’s websites (www.planetfullofblues.com or www.myspace.com/planetfullofblues).
  
  --- Graham Clarke
  
  

• Daily Press [+ Show ]
  

  "Sound Check", October 24, 2008 "Planet Full of Blues" Johnny Ray Light has been rocking around on..."Sound Check", October 24, 2008
  "Planet Full of Blues"
  Johnny Ray Light has been rocking around on the local blues scene for years. But Light has never sounded brighter than on this 11-tune collection by his band Planet Full of Blues. Light's soaring, distorted guitar work nods to the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan. While Vaughan's Hendrix-by-way-of-Texas sound has become a cliche in recent years, Light handles it better than most. Better yet, several tunes here match his snarling string-bends with strong, pure blasts of brass. "Pain Will Melt Away," for example, is full of funky soul, with punchy horns and a bass line that hops and twists. The brass-laden title track also dredges up a classic, sweaty R&B feel. "Planet Full of Blues" is a strong statement by a veteran local musician who shows he's still got a lot to say.

• Blues News-Natchel Blues Network [+ Show ]
  

  November 2008 For this train jumping, AM clock radio listening free spirit, songwriter-guitarist ...November 2008
  
  For this train jumping, AM clock radio listening free spirit, songwriter-guitarist Johnny Ray Light didn’t really get serious musically until he reached thirty. Performing locally in Johnny Ray Light & the High Beams and Fully Loaded, he mixed commercial blues with his own high-powered original compositions. Light, along with drummer Brock Howe, traveled to Kansas City, funded and recorded their eleven-track musical project, Planet Full of Blues. There’s a common thread that weaves throughout PFOB’s maiden voyage, namely one really deep sense of rhythm. Whether it’s Light’s chunky chord intro to the driving rocker “You Can’t Always Be Right” or his guitar blasting, boogie driven “Got The Blues,” PFOB’s groove is relentless. “Man Tamer” steams along with a gutsy “I’m a Man” groove, highlighting Paul Draper’s Hammond organ lines and Light’s seductive vocals and fuzz-driven guitar breaks. Richard Yeager’s and Eric Stark’s tight horn arrangements create a spirited Blood Sweat & Tears meets Archie Bell musical backdrop on Light’s gem, “Pain Will Melt Away.” The radio-friendly ‘70s southern rocker “When Will You See Things My Way?” blends Light’s tasty guitars and formidable singing (akin to BS & T’s David Clayton Thomas), alongside Howe’s and bassist James Albright’s solid rhythms.
  With Light’s and Howe’s impressive “Back to The Future” musical approach, Southeastern Virginia’s all-original Planet Full of Blues features one enthusiastic global mix of rock, funk and R&B.
  

• River City Blues Society [+ Show ]
  

  There's a lot to like about Planet Full Of Blues' freshman effort. ....the result is a tasty set of ...There's a lot to like about Planet Full Of Blues' freshman effort. ....the result is a tasty set of original blues, rock and funky R & B. This is a band with promise, evidenced by what you'll hear almost throughout this fine first release. ...all in all, "Planet Full Of Blues" is a solid effort by a pair of VA musicians who have something to say that is well worth hearing.

• Blues Festival E-Guide [+ Show ]
  

  September 5, 2008 "Great songs, great arrangements, and some stellar musicianship, this is a tight...September 5, 2008
  "Great songs, great arrangements, and some stellar musicianship, this is a tight CD that should definitely be on any play list."
  
  
  
  

• Charlotte Blues Society Bluesletter [+ Show ]
  

  This CD, which is available via CD Baby, is one of the best CD’s I have listened to this year . I ad...This CD, which is available via CD Baby, is one of the best CD’s I have listened to this year . I admit that my favorite Blues band formula is pretty simple: I love great vocals, hot guitar, a great rhythm section, keyboards and a tight horn section. The album “Planet full of Blues,” by the band of the same name, has that formula and more. In addition, the album is composed entirely of interesting and innovative originals. Based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The band is lead by guitarist/vocalist Johnny Ray Light and drummer Brock Howe, “Planet full of Blues” is destined to be a classic for those classy enough to get a copy of this CD. Standout tracks include the title track and “When will you see.” However, for this reviewer, all of these songs are exceptional. A must have.
  Michael Wolf Ingmire
  

Setlist

The number of sets, length of sets, and set content are dependent on the event. Sets can range from multiple short 30-45 minute arrangements to long 1.5 to 2 hour arrangements. In addition to their original songs below, Planet Full Of Blues also covers an extensive list of other blues artists such as; Stevie Ray Vaughan, Smokin Joe Kubek, Tommy Castro, Popa Chubby, BB King, Freddie King, and Albert King, to name a few.

Short List of Cover Songs Includes:
Mellow Down Easy
Pride And Joy
Crossfire
Tore Down
Cold Shot
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Empty Arms
Looking Back
Let Me Love You Baby
True Lies
Nasty Habits
Cross Cut Saw
Shaky Ground
Mustang Sally
I Just Want To Make Love To You

Planet Full Of Blues Originals:
Planet Full Of Blues
Miss Her Smile
Coming From A Friend
Dirty Pains
Sunday Drive
A Friend You Can Trust
Snake Lady
Romance Gate
You're Mine
Big Mouth
Go Get My Meat
You Can't Always Be Right
When Will You See Things My Way
Coming From A Friend
Man Tamer
E-Jam
Miss Her Smile
A Friend You Can Trust
Pain Will Melt Away
Roam With The Buffalo
Busboy
Got The Blues
Indians' Pride
Money
So Special
Honey Bee
Capital Ale
Open Your Eyes
Fortunate One

Basic Requirements

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