Johnny Coley - Mister Sweet Whisper (2024)

Surreal and layered, Johnny Coley's work feels like a David Lynch dreamscape. A poet from Birmingham, Alabama, Coley is in his seventies and rarely seen in public. On his debut with Mississippi Records, he takes listeners on an improvised journey. The scenes are strange and vivid: crumbling Southern roads, gaslit alleys, and women silently arguing on cobblestones in Rome.

Coley whispers these stories in a deep drawl, creating humor and sadness at once. His tales are made up on the spot, blending his life on the road with shared American imagery. The stories feel like dreams within dreams, filled with shadows, wisdom, and Southern humor.

Despite health problems keeping him homebound, Coley records these works from his Birmingham apartment. Local musicians from the Sweat Wreath label visit him, adding soft guitar, bass, vibraphone, and sax to his voice. Coley remains the heart of it all, crafting rich worlds in every song. His work continues to amaze with each listen.

Tracklist:
1-1. Johnny Coley - They’re Dreaming Me (06:37)
1-2. Johnny Coley - Club Roma (06:24)
1-3. Johnny Coley - Flesh Vehicle (08:17)
1-4. Johnny Coley - That Knock At The Door (07:43)
1-5. Johnny Coley - Hitchhikin’ (04:54)
1-6. Johnny Coley - Dancin’ Like An Assassin (06:17)