JOHNNY & THE EAST COST ROCKERS

“Rock That Beat”

Blue Seal Records

I’ll never forget the night of Friday August 20th, 1999. I was going through a divorce and found myself alone with nothing to do that evening. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself I decided to look for something to do. I grabbed the latest issue of Soundwaves and checked out the local scene. I saw where Johnny & The East Coast Rockers were playing outdoors at the Hamburg Fair in Lyme. I always liked Johnny MacLeod so I hopped in my car and took a ride out.

Once there I grabbed a beer and hung out by the stage. As always there was a big crowd of people swing dancing to the band. Suddenly these two women approached me and asked me if I was John Bahouth’s friend. I was. Their names were Ellen and Rece and like John, they were from Chester. John, known as Saba to Soundwaves readers, introduced me to them over the fourth of July weekend. Anyway, it’s funny how things turn out sometimes. Ellen and I were just married this past Memorial Day weekend. John Bahouth, by the way, gave the toast.

So getting back to Johnny & The East Coast Rockers, “Rock That Beat” is their 4th CD in 6 years. They now have a discography they can really be proud of. They’re certainly the region’s premier swing blues band and the keepers of the flame when it comes to Westerly Rhode Island’s rich musical history.

The roar of the engine and the squeal of the tires is the first thing you hear on the opening track called “55 Chevy.” This is one of six MacLeod originals on the disc although a couple of the songs have appeared in different versions on previous releases. Johnny excels throughout on vocals, lead guitar, harmonica, and other assorted instruments. Back with Johnny are familiar names such as Bob Burt, James Hunter, Scott Gordley, and Glenn Hardy. The special guests are Bob Christina, James Carreira, and Kerry Pulaski.

Johnny’s choice of cover material always consistently fits into his style and sound. Some examples are James Harmon’s “That’s Not Your Baby” and Rod Piazza’s “Hearthrob.”

Both are examples of that wide open California style, electric swing blues sound that Johnny and his band have mastered. (Ironic that they should be called the East Coast Rockers.) Johnny also does a cover of the Jimmy Vaughan instrumental called “Tilt a Whirl.” Johnny’s guitar playing is very similar to Jimmy’s. This cover may also be a nod to Jimmy’s connection with the Westerly music scene. There’s also an extended rendition of “Black Magic Woman.” Although it was Santana who did the definitive version of this song, Johnny’s take here is much more similar to the original by Peter Green. It’s one of the standout tracks on the CD.

Perhaps my favorite cut is the original “Blue City.” I liked this song because it shows that Johnny can still get down and dirty with some hard blues. I also enjoyed the closing track called “Sweet Pea.” It is an upbeat acoustic little ditty and a surprising ending to the disc.

So anyway, summer is finally in full swing (pardon the pun). My advice is to look and see where Johnny & The East Coast Rockers are playing. Go check them out. Go by yourself if you have to. You never know what might happen.

- Bill Harriman

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