JOHN GINTY
BAD NEWS TRAVELS LIVE
AMERICAN SHOWPLACE MUSIC ASM 5003
CD 1: SWITCH–ARRIVALS–BLACK CAT–ELVIS PRESLEY–PEANUT BUTTER–ROCK RIDGE–SEVEN AND THE SPIRIT
CD 2: DAMAGE CONTROL–THE QUIRK–OFF THE CUFF–MIRRORS–TRINITY
One of the highlights for us during 2014 was the release of John Ginty’s “Bad News Travels.” Plus, we had the great pleasure to hear him play this album live in May at 12TH and Porter.
The companion DVD came out a few months ago, and John now closes out 2014 with the live version of the CD, “Bad News Thavels Live,” with guest performances from Albert Castiglia, Todd Wolfe, Cris Jacobs, and Alexis P. Suter.
John starts things with two outstanding instrumentals with decided jazz overtones, “Switch,” and “Arrivals.” Albert Castiglia the joins the party for the minor-key vocals and guitar on “Black Cat,” then he gives a stone-cold funky read of “Elvis Presley,” a tale of folks who think “Elvis is still alive.” Todd Wolfe adds guitar on the creep of “Peanut Butter,” and the other-worldly elegance of “Rock Ridge.”
Female vocalist extraordinaire Alexis P. Suter comes on strong with “Seven And The Spirit,” with John’s organ giving this one an old-school R & B rave-up feel. “Damage Control” has a psychedelic, garage-rock vibe with Albert Castiglia and Cris Jacobs on guitar. John utilizes piano and organ along with Cris’ guitar to capture the feel of “Mirrors,” while the set closes with our favorite, the take-you-to-church instrumental,with the fevered intensity billowing up from the depths of the grooves of “Trin ity.”
Word on social media has it that John Ginty is hard at work on the follow-up to “Bad News Travels Live.” If it is anything like its predecessor, it’ll sho’ nuff be another good ‘un! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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