Description
For the return of blues legend Johnny Tucker, HighJohn Records’ owner and Tucker’s manager, Bob Auerbach, wanted a much bigger production to match the power of his mighty voice and exuberant personality. Tucker’s acclaimed 2018 release, Seven Day Blues, was a back-to-basics spartan affair that once again brought notice to this iconic singer, songwriter, and blues originator.
For this 2021 album, 75 And Alive, Auerbach recruited Los-Angeles’ guitar man Kid Ramos to build an all-star band with pianist Carl Sunny Leyland. The team brought in the rhythm section of John Bazz on electric and standup bass, drummer Jason Lozano, and saxophonist Ron Dziubla and harp player Bob Corritore. The dozen new tracks recorded live off the floor are an authentic set of West Coast jump, low down blues and funky soul, recorded on Johnny’s 75th birthday – October 17, 2020.
Johnny’s a rare commodity as an electrifying vocalist, but his songwriting technique is even more unusual. He puts together lyrics inside the recording studio, listening to the band and coming up with words to fit their grooves.
Tucker dedicated the album, 75 And Alive, to his late wife, Georgia, as a lasting monument from a man who’s been singing his heart out professionally for over 65 years. Georgia was in the studio on Johnny’s birthday in 2020 when this album was recorded.
