Johnny Iguana’s Chicago Spectacular!
Delmark, 2020
9/10
Listen to Johnny Iguana’s Chicago Spectacular
The Chicago blues pianist Johnny Iguana has played alongside some of the biggest names in the blues, and here he releases his first album as band leader, where he handles keys on all the tracks while taking help from some pretty prestigious names in the industry.
“44 Blues” starts the listen with piano acrobatics as John Primer, Bob Margolin and Michael Caskey are on hand to help flesh out the soulful, bluesy opener, and “Hammer And Tickle”, an original, follows with Caskey and Bill Dickens lending their vast skill to the tumbling and rhythmic instrumental that’s busy and memorable.
Near the middle, the feisty and precise “Land Of Precisely Three Dances” has Caskey and Dickens teaming up again on the hand clapping and festive album highlight, while “Lady Day And John Coltrane” benefits greatly from Phillip-Michael Scales’ smooth pipes on the very heartfelt version of the Gil Scott-Heron tune. “Burning Fire”, another stand out track, then recruits Lil ‘Ed and Kenny Smith for a slow burning affair of powerful singing, warm keys and spirited guitar.
Deep into the listen, “Stop Breakin’ Down” features Matthew Skoller, Billy Flynn and Smith for a harmonica friendly display of modern blues, and “Hot Dog Mama” exits the listen with Billy Boy Arnold, Flynn and Smith present for a dynamic yet cautious finish to a very well executed listen.
Iguana’s had a busy year, as he released an album with this full band, The Claudettes, too, and this first time at the helm further cements his place as one of the brightest artists in today’s fertile blues scene.
Travels well with: Bob Margolin- This Guitar And Tonight; Bob Corritore- Do The Hip-Shake Baby!