The John Sherry Group - Don't Let The Fire Go Out (2004)

Tracklist

01. Lordy Me
02. Just Yesterday
03. Sure Had A Good Run
04. Blackbird
05. Totally Consumed
06. Don't Let The Fire Go Out
07. Letters Home
08. The Zip Code Song (Prince of Fools)
09. New Day
10. The Lesson

The members of The John Sherry Group are Ramon Vallejo, Pete Rose and, of course, John Sherry. This CD, his fourth, consists of nine new original tunes and a gospel/blues cover of "Blackbird" by the Fab Four. Lyric credits go to Jerry Swisher, a gifted songwriter and storyteller, for the songs "Lordy Me" and "Totally Consumed." The lyric for "Sure Had A Good Run" was penned by his wife, Joyce Sherry, and together they wrote the rest of the lyrics, with the exception of "Just Yesterday" which, "came to me in a sudden, beautiful, mindless flash," reflects John.
The lead vocals of Ramon Vallejo are outstanding (not to mention his kick-ass organ playing) and the guest performance of Charmaigne Scott, as "the ghostly voice in a red silk dress," on the opening track "Lordy Me" is breathtaking. The fabulous bass work of Pete Rose provides the bedrock groove for the band; some standouts are "Lordy Me," "The Zip Code Song " and "New Day," and Pete's high, clear voice is an integral part of the vocal harmonies. Also, the guest drumming of Kim Edmundson, Gary Kehoe and John E. Sample should not go without recognition. Their great playing and musical sensitivity really made the songs come alive. As for John's part, it is arguably the best work as a writer, guitarist, vocalist, and producer he's done to date.
The style is blues/rock, inspired by some of his earliest influences from the late sixties and early seventies: Super Session with Michael Bloomfield, Fleetwood Mac the blues band, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin, the Jeff Beck Group, and you can hear those influences throughout the CD. As John says, " This isn't a trip down memory lane. No, technology has changed and so has the world of music and culture, and that has influenced my music as well, but I would have to say that with this work I feel like I have come full circle in my journey, back to my roots." Indeed, his roots go deep and the innovation is inspired. "Don't Let The Fire Go Out" is a musical work that will resonate a long time.

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