Johnny Rawls – Make Them Dance
10 tracks/36 minutes
Johnny Rawls is a soul blues legend. Produced by Jim Gaines, who unfortunately passed away last year, in his Bessie Blue studio in Stantonville, Tennessee, this was Gaines last album that he produced. Having produced Santana, SRV, Steve Cropper, Booket T. Jones, Huey Lewis, Steve Miller, John Lee Hooker and many other greats, his deft hand helped forge this new effort by Rawls into a fine set of tunes. All are originals by Johnny and/or his band mates; track four was co-written by Gaines’ wife Sandy Carroll.
Rawls handles all the lead vocals and rhythm guitar. A superb cast of musicians supported the effort. On lead guitar is Will McFarlane, Steve Pots is on bass, Bob Trenchard is on drumss and Dan Ferguson is on keys. Jamie McFarlane is on bass for a track, Clayton Ivey is on keys for that track, Justin Holder is also on drums for that song. Kimberly Horton and Trinecia Butler provide backing vocals. The horn sections is Mike Middleton on trumpet, Andy Roman on sax solos, Nick Flood on bari, tenor and alto sax, and Frank Otero on trombone.
“So Cold” gets the album kicked off. Rawls sings with his typical soulful tones and at 74 is still bringing the fire to his live performances and recordings. The band is tight behind him as he bemoans to his woman how she’s gotten so cold. A solid sax solo is offered up to enjoy, but it’s Rawls smooth and soulful vocals that make this a winner. “Dreams Of You” opens with big horns and then Johnny gets into his slow and cool soul delivery. Backing vocals help out, the piano is a nice addition as is the organ solo.
The title track is next. It’s got an almost Latin vibe to it as Rawls sings with passion. It’s got a slow, funky groove and offers up more great vocals and another sweet sax solo. The slow and soulful “Move In My Direction” follows. Here Rawls gives us a sublime performance with emotion and deep feeling. The alto sax, guitar and tenor sax solos, horns and backing vocals help set the tone for the piece. Sexy, sultry and just cool stuff on this one.
Next is “Costs Too Much,” a mid tempo cut with Rawls complaining about the price being too high to be in love. It’s a pretty and cool number with steady horns and organ that help sell this one. “Give It To Me” is a funky and slick track with guitar fleshing things out nicely and slick horn work.
“Rip Off The Bandage” begins with some nice guitar which continues throughout. Rawls comes in with the organ and horns backing him and it’s a soul party. Johnny sings with feeling and the band backs him as the lead guitar gives us a excellent performance. “Say That You Love Me” is a nice, slow soul blues with solid horns and another winner guitar solo.
“Swimming With The Sharks” is a cut with a vibrant feeling to the groove as he sings about his woman living over her head. Johnny gives us another passionate performance, the organ delivers another fine solo, the backing vocalists continue to excel, the horns blare and the lead guitar lays out some sweet licks. “The Long Road” is the finale that is another super slow to midtempo soul blues cut featuring Johnny and the band working together to deliver a final emotional cut.
Rawls delivers soul ballads and love songs as few can. When he’s not in the throes of passion he’s giving us something to get up and dance to. Johnny has been nominated for many Blues Music and other awards and has been the recipient of many of them. This road warrior continues to travel the nation and globe to spread his great music to his many fans. This is another winner for Rawls and long standing and new fans will appreciate the ten exceptional performance on this album. I highly recommend it!
