"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:
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"Simone's performance capabilities as a jazz trumpet player are truly masterful. His technical proficiency, expressive playing, and improvisational skills make him a standout musician. Whether performing in small ensembles or leading a jazz band, Simone's performances never fail to leave a lasting impression."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"The band performed for my daughter’s wedding and they absolutely blew us away. They were totally professional, did every song requested and even learned an old family favourite. We will be forever grateful and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them in a heartbeat."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"I love this band…they’re extremely funky, in the best way possible. I’ve seen them on multiple occasions and each time is awesome!!!!!! Each member is unique in their own way, I’d watch them anytime and any place. NuPhamlee for life!!!💙"
Reply by NuPhamlee Soul Band
Thank you so much Chyna. Sorry for the late response. We will be performing at the Shrine on Feb 5th, 2026 in Harlem from 8pm to 10pm. Will send you a flyer in December!
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"I just wanted to thank you and the band for the incredible music at our wedding. We loved it, it brought so much joy and such a great atmosphere. The band truly are the best in the business. Thank you also to them for allowing me to play my song. I very much appreciate it. We, along with our guests thoroughly enjoyed the jazz and the dance floor hits."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Doug Earley is one of the most popular and requested musicians at the largest Farmers' Markets in Orange County. He draws a big crowd and his music and talent keeps them begging for more! You won't go wrong hiring him for any event as he appeals to all ages and musical genres"
Reply by Doug Earley Saxophonist
Thanks Trish!! The Irvine Farmers Market is one of my favorite places to play. Appreciate the patrons and the love! Doug Earley
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"High fliers on the local Greek jazz scene, this trio is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a smoking B3 led set that is an appropriate discovery for a label led by a B3 player in the flesh. With everyone on board knowing their apples, we get a sense that jazz is the international language once again as everyone on board knows what to do and adds some other side of the world flavor to the B3 festivities. This organ is purely organic with a zesty taste drawn from Mediterranean soil. Check it out. "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"With Overfunk our wedding party was unforgettable, a perfect energy and atmosphere for an aperitif before and for dancing afterwards. We and the guests had a great time. Plus Sarah and the other band members are nice, professional and helpful. We recommend them 100%. Thank you so much guys!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Monkey Business Band played at our 115 person wedding and absolutely rocked it - everyone loved them, everyone was dancing from the first song until the very last, and everyone wanted them to stay longer. They are top professionals - excellent musicians with a lead singer who brings talent and energy. They are easy to work with, and flexible on-the-day with timings. 10/10 would highly recommend."
Reply by MonkeyBusinessBand
Thank you so much dear András!!!!
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"What. A. Night!" The Nexus Groove Band absolutely lit up our private party! From the first song to the last encore, the energy, the professionalism, and the sheer talent of this group were beyond anything we expected. We wanted something modern, fresh, and truly engaging — and that’s exactly what we got. The music was fantastic — vibrant, stylish, and completely in tune with the mood of the evening. Anastasia, the lead vocalist, didn’t just sing — she set the tone for the entire night. Her presence was magnetic, and her voice? Absolutely unforgettable. The girls in our group haven’t stopped talking about it — everyone was in huge, huge, huge awe! It wasn’t just a performance, it was a full-on experience that made the night truly special. Thank you, Nexus Groove Band, for making our celebration one for the books. You helped turn a great night into an unforgettable memory. Let’s go! – With love and gratitude, Your European fans 💃🕺"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Very pleased with Stout. Highly professional, very skilled and exactly what we needed. Great range of songs. Thank you so much for delivering a perfect set. Kind regards, Aaron"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"What an amazing band! Thank you Davied for making our Christmas party the best Christmas present our office could ask for. Your professionalism and stage presence was captivating to watch and we will surely higher you again!"
Reply by Hollywood Blvd Band
The honor was ours and thank you for having us! We had a Blast!!
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We invited Benga to play at our Wedding party, and they really really crushed it! people absolutely loved them, and their singer Michelle is truly remarkable "
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"Reggie Graves & Jazz Theory are one of my favorite bands to perform here at Chayz Lounge. They’re professional, on time excellent musicians with great attitudes, and their song selections are always pleasing to the crowd. I would highly recommend them for any occasion, weddings festivals or any live stage outdoor event. Reggie Graves is a true Artist himself with 2CD projects out currently!"
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:
"We booked Sugaland for our wedding day celebration and they absolutely fantastic. High energy and good vibes. Many of our guests commented that they were the best wedding band they had ever seen, the experience was akin to being at a rock concert. I couldn't recommend them any higher."
Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: