Review Centre: Rock Bands

"There’s more to Johnny Ticktin than meets the eye. Well-versed in the blues, having once served as lead guitar player for the legendary Louisiana Red, the open-minded Ticktin is a sponge, soaking up the subtle six-string nuances and intricacies of a multitude of genres—from surf to classic R&B, swing and even Mambo—on his eighth album with The Headhunters, That’s All I Need. It would feel right at home in any rough-and-tumble roadhouse. The title is borrowed from a song, covered here in all its dark, swampy glory, off Magic Sam’s 1967 iconic electric blues marvel West Side Soul. Watery, backwoods ripples of Sam’s tremolo guitar style and seductive rhythms meander through Creedence Clearwater Revival’s mysterious kudzu on Johnny & The Headhunters’ version, as Ticktin and company paddle up a lazy river of Bayou groove. Just as fluent in nasty rockabilly, they thrive in the sweltering heat of the 1957 obscurity “Chicken House,” giving it a warm buzz and making it rumble and swagger, while the lascivious, infectious funk of “Body and Fender” – a Doc Pomus/Duke Robillard joint originally built for soul crooner Johnny Adams – shakes all over and ogles the female form. A rousing, boogie-woogie version of Lowell Fulsom’s Chess Records’ hit “Rock ‘Em Dead” is wonderfully shambolic, and Ticktin rides the lightning of the Link Wray instrumental “Ace of Spaces” like a champ, gleefully wheeling through edgy garage-rock riffs with appropriate vim and vigor. What feel he and his band have for this material. There is not the slightest bit of indifference to it anywhere on this record. Not that they need it, but help arrives in the form of keyboardist Tam Sullivan, who wraps smoky, sensual organ and wraiths of piano around a soulful remake of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Lead Me On,” and singer Liz Springer, who joins her brazen vocals to Ticktin’s in the cheeky, but charming, duet “Watch and Chain.” And, with the solid machinery of a good backing band at work behind him, Ticktin can just let loose – witness the slide-guitar fury of their cover of Elmore James’ “Shake Your Money Maker.” For aficionados of tasteful guitar work and music that time shouldn’t have forgotten, this is what you need. —Peter Lindblad SPREAD THE NEWS! FacebookTwitter RELATED STORIES September 3rd, 2023 Rhythm & Roots Festival August 28th, 2023 Rhythm & Roots: Family Fave July 28th, 2023 When Rock & Roll is a Verb"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Booked Summer Sunshine Duo for my 30th Birthday Party. Safe to say they were brilliant. Excellent value for money. Happy to go the extra mile and learn my favourite song. Would happily hire them again. Both very talented!!!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These beautiful people delivered beyond our expectations. The event was big Company party and the communications before the event were great. The while process of booking through to arrival was perfect. The band arrived immaculately turned out, on time and without any fuss despite the distance and the prevailing fuel shortage problems. The music was well chosen and delivered and everything went perfectly. True professionals, thank you! Jules"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Great band! Saw them at Atic banbury. Loved the whole set!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"One of the best bands I’ve seen for variety. I’m loathe to leave a good review for the band, but only because it reduces the chances of them being free when I book them again. Great variety of music spanning the decades and the vocals and music were fantastic. I would book them again without question. Thank you so much Michelle *****"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing show, best act I've seen in the last 10 years!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Michael Charles “listening earlier and sounded like Eric Clapton ” "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"An amazing act Saw them while I was on holiday and it was a brilliant night! I can't recommend them enough. The night flew by, I couldn't stop singing along and dancing the night away. Hope I see them again soon! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Out of this world & pure entertainment. Best night ever!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The electric owls are literally the local super group, anyone that plays an instrument knows there's a whole heap of dough on that stage, nice planks lads, nice planks!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Fan Club Party Band were brilliant. Harrison and Dani were fantastic and just perfect in helping to create a great atmosphere for Mum and Dad's 25th Wedding Anniversary party. They were so friendly and professional and played a perfect varied playlist. It was just as well Harrison left a few business cards as so many of our guests asked where had we found such a wonderful band! I couldn't recommend them more! Thank you!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I highly recommend booking Nate for your event - he played both solo then duo with his drummer at my 50th, & we all loved every bit of both performances. Nate has a huge repertoire & is also very easy to work with in the lead up to your event. I think you've found your crowd pleaser right here, so you can go ahead & book with confidence."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thrifty Malone opened the Introducing Stage with a much needed hi energy Poguesy set that showed that the artists were up for a good time as much as the audience were hoping to be shown one."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I saw RockEnergy at the Kings pub in Islington. The whole place was rocking. The lead singer has a great voice and the guy who was playing guitar was fantastic. They had some great classic songs in their set. The party I was with had a great time, and commented how good the band was. Would highly recommend these 2 guys for any party. Thanks again for entertaining us."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" if you are ever after a band for a celebration, these are your guys. The versatility of this band is impressive. They can pretty much play anything you request. They each bring their own individual talent across as very professional. I would highly recommend them and know you would not be disappointed. We will definitely be rebooking! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: