 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
REVIEWS
| PLANET FULL OF BLUES |
 | November 14, 2008 - The Virginia Pilot. Section: The Daily |
Gloucester Band's Disc Delivers Blues Chops
Gloucester's Planet Full Of Blues has released a self-titled, 11-song album that is
take note.
Clad in dapper black suits, hats and shades, guitarist/singer Johnny Ray Light and
drummer Brock Howe - the main ingredients in Planet - have a decidedly Blues
Brothers shtick goin' on, and they've got the groove to back it up.
"Got The Blues" is an infectious dance track featuring the Hammond B3 organ
work of guest Paul Draper, with loads of lightening-quick six-string injections from
Light.
The title track and "Pain Will Melt Away" are highlighted nicely with the horn power
of saxophonist Richard Yeager and trumpeter Eric Stark. "Miss Her Smile" and
"Coming From A Friend" rock in a more subdued, Eric Clapton sort of way.
The band plans to tour Europe in the summer, with a June 27 slot at the Voxstock
Festival in Belgrade confirmed.
| November 2008 - Natchel Blues Network - Blues News. |
For this train jumping, AM clock radio listening free spirit, songwriter-guitarist
Performing locally in Johnny Ray Light & the High Beams and Fully Loaded, he
mixed commercial blues with his own high-powered original compositions.
Light, along with drummer Brock Howe, traveled to Kansas City, funded and
recorded their eleven-track musical project, Planet Full of Blues. There’s a
common thread that weaves throughout PFOB’s maiden voyage, namely one really
deep sense of rhythm.
Whether it’s Light’s chunky chord intro to the driving rocker “You Can’t Always Be
Right” or his guitar blasting, boogie driven “Got The Blues,” PFOB’s groove is
relentless. “Man Tamer” steams along with a gutsy “I’m a Man” groove,
highlighting Paul Draper’s Hammond organ lines and Light’s seductive vocals and
fuzz-driven guitar breaks.
Richard Yeager’s and Eric Stark’s tight horn arrangements create a spirited Blood
Sweat & Tears meets Archie Bell musical backdrop on Light’s gem, “Pain Will Melt
Away.” The radio-friendly ‘70s southern rocker “When Will You See Things My
Way?” blends Light’s tasty guitars and formidable singing (akin to BS & T’s David
Clayton Thomas), alongside Howe’s and bassist James Albright’s solid rhythms.
With Light’s and Howe’s impressive “Back to The Future” musical approach,
Southeastern Virginia’s all-original Planet Full of Blues features one enthusiastic
global mix of rock, funk and R&B.
| October 24, 2008 - The Daily Press. Newport News, VA. |
Planet Full of Blues
Johnny Ray Light has been rocking around on the local blues scene for years. But
Full of Blues.
Light's soaring, distorted guitar work nods to the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan.
While Vaughan's Hendrix-by-way-of-Texas sound has become a cliche in recent
years, Light handles it better than most.
Better yet, several tunes here match his snarling string-bends with strong, pure
blasts of brass. "Pain Will Melt Away," for example, is full of funky soul, with
punchy horns and a bass line that hops and twists.
The brass-laden title track also dredges up a classic, sweaty R&B feel. "Planet
Full of Blues" is a strong statement by a veteran local musician who shows he's
still got a lot to say.
| Fall 2008 River City Blues Society. Richmond, VA. |
"There's a lot to like about Planet Full Of Blues' freshman effort. ....the result is a
evidenced by what you'll hear almost throughout this fine first release. ...all in all,
"Planet Full Of Blues" is a solid effort by a pair of VA musicians who have
something to say that is well worth hearing."
| September 2008 - Blues Festival E-Guide. |
"Great songs, great arrangements, and some stellar musicianship, this is a tight
Sign Up For
Our Newsletter
Below!
Our Newsletter
Below!
| January 2009 - Mary4Music - CD Reviews |
The nucleus of PLANET FULL OF BLUES is the duo of JOHNNY RAY LIGHT on Guitars
release "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", which consists of eleven originals by JOHNNY,
features the following special guests: JAMES ALBRIGHT on Bass; ERIC STARK on
Trumpets and Horn Arrangements; RICHARD YEAGER on Saxophones; PAUL
DRAPER on Hammond B3 Organ; and LARRY GANN on Percussion and Background
Vocals. I'd also like to give credit to BETTY "MS. SHABOOM" CREDLE......not so
much for being the discs Cover Model, but for the great sense of humor she
obviously has.
Seeking medical help for his ailments, JOHNNY felt a bit relieved when his doctor
said "There's nothing wrong with you.....you "GOT THE BLUES". Avoiding the 'Take
two aspirin and call me in the morning' remedy, Johnny's doctor flat out told him
"There's nothing you can do, when you got the blues - you just gotta move your
shoes". Alright Doc! This track features great vocals and hot guitar from JOHNNY
and fierce rhythm from BROCK, JAMES and PAUL on the drums, bass &
Hammond. Real good stuff right here.
"PLANET FULL OF BLUES", The title track and bands moniker, is one of three
tracks that will have you wishing ERIC & RICHARD appeared on more than just
these three - their horns are fabulous and certainly one of this tracks highlights.
The others are BROCK creating a frenzy on the drums and more strong vocals and
guitar from JRL.
Slowing things down a bit is a beautiful ballad titled "COMING FROM A FRIEND".
The whole bands fallen into a soothing groove and it sounds real nice. Although
I've heard a slight resemblance to Blood, Sweat & Tears since the opening,
JOHNNY'S vocals will surely perk up the David Clayton-Thomas fans ears.
If you like your blues on the funky side, then here's one for your "MONEY". ERIC &
RICHARD are back on the horns, and with killer company from BROCK & JAMES on
drums and bass, they're funkin' this one up big time. If you're not movin' while this
one's on then either you ears or your arteries are clogged.
By now, you all know what it means when I say a particular track on a disc is my
personal favorite. On "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", that track is "MAN TAMER" - and
yes, it's 'cause it the bluesiest track of them all. With the rhythm section in just
the right spot behind them, JOHNNY & PAUL shine. Of course, there are some
great blues guitar licks and gritty vocals from JOHNNY and PAUL - at discs best,
has that Hammond hummin'. Replays are in order here.
Other tracks on "PLANET FULL OF BLUES", include: "PAIN WILL MELT AWAY",
"YOU CAN'T ALWAYS BE RIGHT", "MISS HER SMILE", "DIRTY PAINS", "WHEN WILL
YOU SEE THINGS MY WAY" and a fast and frenzied closing instrumental called "E-
JAM".
You know the drill. Now it's time for you to go to www.planetfullofblues.com to buy
the disc and tell JOHNNY & BROCK that the Blewzzman sent ya.
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
| January 2009 - Blues Bytes - Written by Graham Clarke |
One of Virginia’s hottest blues bands is Planet Full Of Blues. The three-piece band is
and is driven by a powerhouse rhythm section of Brock Howe (drums) and recent
addition Mike Connell (bass). On occasion, they add a horn section to great effect.
Their repertoire includes a mix of Texas and Chicago blues, Memphis soul and even
rock & roll.
Their self-titled, self-released debut recording backs up this claim strongly. It’s an 11
song set with emphasis on high-energy blues and rock. Highlights include the horn-
driven opening cut, “Pain Will Melt Away” and “Planet Full Of Blues.” “Got The Blues”
features plenty of Light’s muscular guitar work, as does “You Can’t Always Be Right,”
and “E-Jam,” the disc’s too-short closer. “Money” takes a funky turn, as does “Dirty
Pains,” courtesy of guest Planeteer James Albright’s nasty bass (Connell was not a
member when the album was recorded). The strongest pure blues cut is “Man Tamer,”
which borrows the “I’m A Man/Mannish Boy” riff.
Other guest musicians lending a hand are Paul Draper, with some terrific Hammond
B3 organ on selected tracks, Eric Stark, who plays trumpet and arranged the horns,
and Richard Yeager on saxophone. Co-producer (with Light) Larry Gann also adds
percussion and backing vocals.
Planet Full Of Blues offers a powerful set of blues, boogie, and rock that will please
their fans and any interested newcomers. Check this CD out at www.cdbaby.com or
visit one of the band’s websites (www.planetfullofblues.com or www.myspace.
com/planetfullofblues).
--- Graham Clarke