Creole Skies
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
This debut album from Johnny Ryan and his Mongrels has the New Orleans spirited outfit firmly planted in the timeless traditions of The Big Easy, as plenty of esteemed guests make their way to the party.
“Louisiana Girl” starts the listen with lively funk and expressive vocals in the festive atmosphere, and “Drinking With Angels” follows with a calmer setting that’s no less powerful in its emotive, soulful delivery.
Elsewhere, the flawless “True Life” offers some well done blues, while “Creole Skies” resides closer to balladry as soothing vocals align with warm rhythm. “Saturday Night In Oak Grove Louisiana”, one the album’s highlights, then displays acrobatic piano and contagious energy in the rollicking adventure that’s a Tony Joe White cover.
“Music Man” and “Just Keep Walking” bookend the listen, where the former is full of lively melodies you won’t be able to forget anytime soon, and the latter delivers strategic organs with gospel and funk present and accounted for.
A charming listen that’s very much indebted to the swampy, Bayou flavor of The South, each of the 10 tracks here offers plenty of diversity as country, Americana, R&B, gospel, funk, blues and rock’n’roll all make their way into this exceptional endeavor.
Travels well with: Maceo Parker-Soul Food; Joe Bonamassa- Live At The Sydney Opera House