Johnny Boyd
- Last Word In
2001 Cliffdive Records
SQ Issue: Spring 2001 Volume 11, Issue 2
Musicians:
Johnny Boyd: vocals; Red Young: Piano, Hammond Organ; Todd Sickafoose: String Bass; Daniel Glass: Drums; Dean Parks: Electric, Classical Guitars; Josh Workman: Rhythm Guitar; Danny Caron: Rhythm Guitar; Don Markese: Alto, Tenor, Baritone Saxophones; Leet Thornburg: Trumpet, Trombone; Marty Wehner: Trombone; John Worley: Flugelhorn; Tommy Morgan: Chromatic Harmonica; Casey MacGill: Ukulele; Louis Romero: Percussion; Sarah Thornblade: Violin I; Sabine Vener: Violin II; Brett Banducci: Viola; Timothy Loo: Cello; also includes Mariachi Musicians and Gospel singers.
Warning: Men, lock up your ladies! Johnny Boyd is BACK!!
Boyd is out with his first solo project after leaving Indigo Swing. Swing dancers, listeners and lovers of fine music are going to rush out to get this CD for their collection.
There’s great swingin’ music for dancers, like Comin’ Home to You, I’ll Do Right by You, Don’t Know What I Was Doing, Last Word In, and Honey-Dew. These songs will keep you reet ‘n’ petite and lookin’ smart on the dance floor with tempos ranging in the 120’s to the 180’s (beats per minute).
But Boyd isn’t content on pleasing just the dancers. There are great, great ballads such as Angie’s Song (Baby, Don’t You Know?), The One I Love, That Was the Time and more. Twisted (and Turned Around) is another excellent ballad that has superb use of gospel singers as well as Red Young (from Red & the Red Hots) on Hammond Organ creating the solemness of the song.
Boyd collaborates with extremely talented musicians who have perfected the art of letting his lyrics float on melodic summer clouds as they drift through the story; never overpowering but always there, inspiring and enhancing each story. Boyd gives the musicians opportunity to shine throughout the CD with fabulous solos on trumpet, piano, organ and more.
Every song on this CD is a winner. Boyd has broadened his horizons, using these many styles of music to illuminate the best part of his talent, his story telling. He uses Latin, pop, swing, country and other influences including Mexican and romantic ballads to bring his poetry alive and tell stories of love lost, promises broken and reflection on mistakes made. From melancholy to chivalrous to uplifting do-right-by-me songs, Boyd will melt hearts around the world. That’s why you guys better lock up your favorite gal!
There’s swing a-plenty for you dancers but be prepared to enjoy a whole other side of Johnny Boyd.