The Johnny Max Band.... filled with New Orleans style R&B and soul with a hint of boogie woogie. Throughout the CD, Johnny plays the role of storyteller supreme!"
- Rick Davis Crossroads Blues Society
"Fantastic Saturday night show and rolling through my Monday morning with the Johnny Max Band. Simply sublime. Thanks Johnny, you the man."
Michael Fazackerley
Throughout the history of The JMB there has been an underlying theme of blue collar, letting go, having a great time, because the weekend is about to start sort of Rhythm & Blues!When you can't become one with the instrument, become the instrument.
That approach has served Johnny Max extremely well, evidence of that on full display at each show
"I have to be the centre of attention. Too many Fruit Loops, I guess. I've always been that way. I don't play an instrument, so I have to make up for that. Can't help it, I just feel the music and away I go. People respond to it and that just makes me even more animated."
But there is substance behind the showmanship. Max can sing, be it blues, soul, funk or a hybrid of all three. And that talent has been validated in a big way by those in the know.
His latest album, It's A Long Road, picked up a second Juno Award nomination. The album prior, A Lesson I've Learned, was also nominated for a Juno. And there's been his three Maple Blues Award nominations, each time in the Entertainer of the Year category.
"The recognition does mean something, it strokes your ego but more than that, it says you're on the right track," notes Max.
Still, one gets the sense that while the industry accolades are nice, Max remains a dedicated student of the music.
Proof of that lies in his radio program, Sunday Morning Soul. Heard each Sunday morning, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at www.BluesandRootsRadio.com - it was aired for a number of years prior on AM 1430 out of Toronto -- it features a wide variety of blues, soul and R&B as performed by legendary artists as well as up-and-comers.
"The blues scene in general too many bands playing what they think Muddy Waters sounded like; if blues doesn't change, it stays static," notes Max.
"Look at Harry Manx. He brings in a sitar to the music and a whole new sound is created. Still blues, still loyal to the genre, but with a whole new feel. Even the Weber Brothers, mixing a blues vibe with a roots vibe with rock 'n' roll."
Recording-wise, Max says a compilation album of his past work is scheduled for release in the spring with an album of new material slotted for a fall release.
"I live for the performance. Recording is different and that's OK but I really feed off the energy of a room. That's what it's all about for me."
The JMB play their style, they call "Roadhouse Soul"...a little bit of Blues mixed with some R&B and a pinch of country and mix it all together, and you get a bowl full of "Roadhouse Soul"
Come on along and have a listen.....you'll love it!
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