Johnny Outlaw & The Johnson Creek Stranglers

Traditional country music has become something of the past. It is still out there but you have to look a bit harder to find it. I stumbled upon a band that goes by the name, Johnny Outlaw and The Johnson Creek Stranglers, an independent country music band. They are doing their due diligence to keep traditional honky tonk country alive. Formed in June of 2011 and debuting their first album, The Rise of the Strangler, The Johnson Creek Stranglers haven't stopped since. Their second album Honky Tonker which was released Sept 26th is a bit more polished and shows the band has grown together working to refine their sound.

Johnny Outlaw and The Johnson Creek Stranglers are comprised of:

Johnny Outlaw - Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals
Joe Sanders - Drums/Percussion
Robert Ellison - Bass Guitar/Backup Vocals
Dennis Lowery - Lead Guitar on Tracks Stone Cold Drunk, Nashville, Reno
Justin Defreece - Lead Guitar
Dirk Alan - Steel Guitar/Harmonica
Kevin Hahn - Harmony Vocals on Younger days.



The album tracks are Nashville, Straight Shooter, Mountain Man (revisited), Stone Cold Drunk, Lonely Arms, Reno, Honky Tonker, Lighting McGee, Till My Dying Day, Younger Days, This Ole Life, Arkansas Bob, Hellrasing Outlaw (revisited). I have enjoyed many a glass of bourbon while taking in Honky Tonker. There is some great work on this record showcasing the writing talents of Johnny Outlaw, the musical talent of the band, and heavy reflections of their influences.

I truly liked every song on the album but a few really stood out to me. The first track, Nashville really tells the story of the current state of affairs on Music Row. It is not only a great tune but tells a true story. Stone Cold Drunk is also another song that tells the story of what I envision many artists have to do in order to achieve their dream and the troubles that come along with those choices.



Track eight, Lighting McGee, is a ballad about an old cowboy gunfighter and how he came to the service of The Devil through a poker game.. Arkansas Bob is a haunting tune about a tough old truck driver and his dealings with the law. What really sets these guys apart from much of the music out today is the way a story is woven into the lyrics. This is much more than Nashville drivel and deserves attention.

Johnny Outlaw and his Stranglers have created a sound that is certain to lead it's audience through one hell of a great time. In short, this is the sort of music to enjoy spirits to and lay out of work the next day. - Raleigh Music Industry Association