Bman's Blues Report

The Soul Of John Black Early In The Moanin’ Is Greasy, Slippery and Groovy Album Out February 3, 2017 “Whole new brand of soul…” - Rolling Stone “Doctor says I can't be helped - by nobody but thee - now lay some hands on me ” - “Can’t Be Helped” The Soul Of John Black is back – it’s part Chicago blues shaken and stirred with Delta mindfulness and a Memphis soul garnish. The Soul of John Black has not been sold. It’s alive and well. He’s out and about – walking the streets with shades over his eyes.  This eclectic mix of blues, soul, jazz and funk with slices of hip-hop grows arms and legs as it spins on the record player. Early In The Moanin’ will be released on February 3, 2017, on Cadabra Records through CD Baby. John Bigham; “JB” – as he’s known to friends – will be appearing at the 2017 Folk Alliance International Conference for two private showcases on February 17 and 18. This will be a one-of-a-kind acoustic setting showing off h...

I just received the new release, A Sunshine State Of Mind , from  The Soul of John Black and it's really enjoyable. John A. Bigham, playing most of the parts as singer, songwriter and instrumentalist really delivers a nice package here. Opening with Magic Woman a rock/R&B style track, JB provides a solid package with a catchy hook and snappy beat. Echoing his voice with layers of backing vocals and lead guitar melody, this is a track that easily find it's way to the airwaves. Beautiful Day is a great soul track with a certain Al Green feel... excellent! East LA Lady has an uptempo club beat but not venturing far from the soul thread established by Marvin Gaye. Higher Power is another soul ballad again with an Al Green style structure. No real question where influences come from here. My thoughts, listen to masters to make masterful music. Johnny Bear (Give It To Me) , is another high energy dance track with R&B rhythms. I know that I make references to legendary ...

The Soul of John Black is an American alternative soul,blues,rock duo formed by John Bigham and Christopher Thomas. John Bigham was previously a member of the band Fishbone and also worked with Miles Davis and Everlast, while Christopher Thomas had played with Joshua Redman and Betty Carter. Their first release was a self-titled album which was issued in 2002. A different self-titled release arrived in 2003 on the No Mayo label and featured a blend of soul, funk, and hip hop. NPR named the track "Scandalous (No. 9)" one of the best of the year in All Songs Considered. By the release of the follow-up in 2007, Bigham was recording alone and essentially used the group as his own stage name. The sophomore release, The Good Girl Blues, focused on the blues but continued to incorporate elements from jazz, hip hop, rock & roll, and other styles. A third album, Black John, followed in 2009. The Soul of John Black's "The Good Girl Blues" was nominated for the 7th Ann...