Reviewed by Jessica Shearer

John Garr/331

John Garr probably rocks harder than your kids. This is not meant to be a putdown of your offspring, but a hat’s-off applause to an excellent singer/songwriter that has yet to penetrate the mainstream radar. Of course, in the youth-obsessed music industry, is there room for a potent blues rumbler like Garr? Considering the billions of fortysomethings and fiftysomethings out there who are looking for new music that recalls their own Golden Ages of rock, definitely.

However, I hesitate on calling Garr a “retro” act. Yes, his music does draw upon the blues and classic rock, but I find it timeless; this kind of invigorating, straightforward rock never loses its flavor or punch, especially when it’s delivered with as much affection and enthusiasm as Garr does here. “Leave Me Alone Blues” hammers an honest message with piercing sax and chilled-out piano. “Failure to Communicate” rides with a charging beat powered by pummeling drums. On “I Get It From You,” Garr lets it rip on his axe, leaving us breathless - or longing for a cigarette.
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Dec
20John Garr thrills on rocking blues album ‘331′No Comments

Reviewed by Carson James

John Garr/331
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Dec
20John Garr thrills on rocking blues album ‘331′No Comments

Reviewed by Carson James

John Garr/331

“It’s still rock and roll to me,” Billy Joel once sang. That’s the kind of attitude that singer/songwriter John Garr seems to have on 331, an album that excitedly shifts from the blues to rock and roll to jazz, all on the same record. There was once a time when musicians were expected to be this versatile, to have talent that can cross over barriers. Because, when you really think about it, those genres all borrow from each other, all originating from the same creative impulses. When Garr wants to rock, he certainly does; on “Till the Sun Comes Up” and “Que Pasa,” Garr captures the freewheeling spirit of ’50s and ’60s rock, making them fresh again with his lively vocal performances. But it’s rock and roll that is based in the blood of the blues.

As a pure bluesman, Garr has the right licks; no doubt about it. Listening to the red-hot riffs of “I Get It From You” is like swallowing the strongest spice in one gulp; it’ll kick you in the balls and make you feel alive. “So Unkind” recalls the mid-’80s comeback of Eric Clapton with its coat of AOR studio polish; it also has some of Garr’s finest singing on the CD.
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I Get It From You
 
Great electric blues track, this is how a gutsy blues was meant to sound, outstanding rhythm section and vocals in the same tune! How often does that happen? Not enough, but it does here big time. The arrangement rocks like a moose and so does the production. I heard a couple of times when I thought the tune was going to modulate up, but it was just messin' with me, leaving me glued to the speakers. Great job John, indeed I do get it. 
 
What About Love
 
A haunting ballad that tells a sad story without overstating it. Garr nails the vocals as well as kicking in a sparkling soprano sax track. All the right instruments in the bed tracks at all the right levels. Again production is pristine but has the "dirt" where it counts. Top drawer!
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