Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Listened to your CD. Loved the subtlety of the disc. No heros, just SONGS done right!
Dave Hartman - Southern Culture on the Skids
Kicks off with some real uptempo intensity and righteous harp...If "Lowdown Boogie" a uptempo jump tune done Lowdowns style doesn't get your feet tapping and body groovin, you are clinically dead.
4 out of 5 mojos - River City Blues News
I think what you guys are doing is immpressive. Traditional, yet innovative. Lyrics about the same old somebody's done somebody wrong, but cleverly put into words not used to date. "Recycling Man" is a good example of that. You guys have put a great start into taking the traditional sounds into the sounds of what is happening today. - Tina Terry/Agent: The Piedmont Agency
For a group that focuses on post-war Chicago Blues, this record kicks off in fine fashion, with a shuffle beat and some dirty blues harp on the double-entendre workout "Brakeman" In the groups favor is versatilty on guitar, whether evoking T-Bone Walker or ripping a Dick Dale-styled surf solo.. Easily outshining the rest of the record is the Muddy waters staple "Long Distance Call", where (John) Morgan's slide work brings to mind Water's stinging tone. - Style Weekly Aug 18th, 2004
Discography
Johnnie and The Lowdowns, April 2004
Blues in the Schools Compilation CD, 2004
Oasis Blues Compilation, 2005
Richmond Roots Revival 1st Anniversary Compilation, 2005
Three samples included here. Watch every month for updates.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Born in 2001 out of the love of the Blues, Johnnie and The Lowdowns keeps true to the roots of Post-War Chicago style Blues, while adding a contemporary twist of their own. With over 65 years of combined professional experience in the band, the members of Johnnie and The Lowdowns know that the song is more important than any one member. It's all about the groove.
While avoiding the obvious and overplayed, Johnnie and The Lowdowns still cover a Who's Who of classic Blues greats. They pay tribute to some of the more contemporary and urban Blues artists.
Johnnie and The Lowdowns also mixes in a healthy dose of original material, ranging in styles from straight ahead Blues, to Swing, Roots Rock and the many styles of R&B. The variety of music played will ensure that there is something for everyone, including the dancers in the crowd.
The one compliment that Johnnie and The Lowdowns is the most proud of, "You don't sound like all the other Blues bands around." They have also developed a reputation of putting on a great live show, playing full out, whether it is 20 or 200 in the room.
The band released their first self titled CD in 2004, distributed through Digitone Records . They are currently looking ahead, polishing their live show and writing new material for future releases. Their original slogan still sums it all up, "We got your Blues right here!"
Johnnie and The Lowdowns can play as a four or five piece combo. The four piece combo is more of a Southside Chicago house rocking combo, while the five piece is a traditional Blues ensemble.
Highlights:
5/3/03: Heart of Virginia Festival, Main Stage opening for Buckwheat Zydeco
8/29/03: Blues in The Burg series, opening for Tom Principato
7/10/04: 6th Annual JRBS Blues Fest, featuring Sean Costello
1/10/05: "Sleeping Socks" selected by Alligator Records for their catalogue of available songs
6/18/05: Richmond Beer and Seafood Festival, Main Stage
6/25/05: Choppin' Block Blues Festival featuring Ann Rabson of Saffire
8/13/05: Richmond Roots Revival Headliner
9/11/05: "Blues for The Bayou" benefit featuring Nick Moss and the Flip Tops
11/25/05: Baltimore Blues Challenge, Second place winner out of 12 entries
1/1/06: "Raining in My Heart" chosen by Ken Shaw to be released on "Friends to Lover" CD
5/26/06: Opening Act for Dwayne Burnside
7/8/06: 8th Annual JRBS Blues Fest featuring The Nighthawks
8/18/06: Opening Act for Little Brian and the Zydeco Travellers
9/15/06 Headliner, Recover Feat, Richmond, Va.
10/2/06 Opening Act for Steady Rolling Bob Margolin w/ Nappy Brown
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