Album Notes

Born in Kalamazoo Michigan 1969. Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist John Lyons has music in the blood and has performed on stages throughout USA and Europe.

Check out the artists website for some live videos

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnlyons69&view=videos

There are 12 tracks of varying styles all with their common roots in the blues. John's musical influences are as diverse as the styles of the songs he writes. From Stevie Ray Vaughn to Robert Cray, from Jimi Hendrix to Howlin' Wolf, from Eric Clapton to T-Bone Walker, from Albert King to Albert Collins. A whole lot of musical inputs have gone into this record. And thats just the start... John grew up in South West Michigan on a Fruit farm, self taught singer/guitarist. Gigged professionally in Florida, Chicago and since 2001 in Switzerland ( married Swiss, 2 daughters )...


Notes about the songs

1. Natural Woman

mid-tempo funky minor blues with a sexy groove. The kind of vibe that makes you wanna get up and do something.

2. Last Shirt

Fast Jump Blues, reminiscent of the 50's big band swing, in the style of Brian Setzer, T-Bone Walker, Duke Robillard, or even Sha-Na-Na

3. Cry

An incredible slow ( and I mean really Slow ) song, with a lot of dynamic and emotion, featuring a beautiful piano solo by Christian Roffler.

4. I Can't Sleep

Soulful funky blues, lets say if you like old school Robert Cray stuff like Phone Booth, Shiver, or Smokin' Gun then check this song out

5. Need Your Lovin

Straight ahead Texas Shuffle blues here,no surpises just good blues

6. Ghosts

Beautiful Guitar Ballad, some have said it reminds them of Mark Knopfler, Dire Straits. I think it osunds like Bob Dylan or Tom Petty influences..but whatever you think, juts listen and enjoy

7. Monkey Business

Funky Blues, in the direction of Alber Collins, Coco Monotoya. Song about being fed up with low wages, politics and too few opportunities in life (imagine that)

8. Mean Street

Another Albert Collins / Peter Green influenced song, this time minor funky mid tempo

9. Drive Baby Drive

A hauntingly sad and beautiful ballad, lyrics by Michelle Mott of Portage Michigan, a 'chick song' - emotional.

10. Voodoo Priest

A fun, New Orleans second line groove with tasty guitar chops all over the place

11. Lonely Fool

Minor slow blues, great dymanics and feeling. Break out your whiskey jar and turn this one up

12. I Like It Like That

Rocking blues! Stevie Ray Vaughn was inspired by Jimi Hendrix, and I was inspired by Stevie and jimi..so here is my little contribution to the tree... in all due respect to my influences. The vocal style on this song was definatley influenced by Robert Plant's early Led Zeppelin stuff. enjoy

Regards,
john