Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
Listen to Johnny Max & His So-Called Friends
The long running Canadian blues rockers The Johnny Max Band are back with an 8th album, where plenty of guests are along for the originals and covers.
The lively “You Can Do Better Than Him” starts with Max’s flowing voice alongside Bill Evans’ upbeat keys and Jim Casson’s frisky drums, and “How The Other Half Lives” follows with driving guitars and a frisky rhythm section that’ll get you on the dance floor.
Closer to the middle, “I’ve Never Met A Bridge” recruits Jay Burr’s lively tuba that suits Max’s distinct voice, while “Memphis Women & Fried Chicken” is a thicker moment via spirited guitars, thumping drums and colorful keys that suits the bluesy climate.
Landing near the end, “When You Love Somebody” brings group vocals into the contagious energy that will get you singing-along right away, and “Plastic Jesus” exits with a parody that tips it hat to Cool Hand Luke and uses the raw recording strategically.
Max and his band have seen a pair of JUNO award nominations and received a handful of Maple Blues awards, and there’s probably more on the horizon thanks to these rhythm and blues tunes that don’t take long to admire.
Travels well with: Grant Lyle- And Now; Ross Neilsen- Within Tension