Jay Jesse Johnson Man On A Mission album cover

Jay Jesse Johnson

By Mike O’Cull

Ohio-based guitarist/vocalist Jay Jesse Johnson practically sets his amp on fire for our entertainment on his latest solo album Man On A Mission. Released February 1st, 2022 on Grooveyard Records, Man On A Mission is a high-test blast of vintage 70s-style blues/rock done right. JJJ is an absolutely bodacious guitarist who throws down big tones and bold licks that are equally packed with the DNA of the original masters of the guitar and a modern-day punch that will quickly pull you into his lane.

Johnson minces no words and wastes no time on these ten straight-ahead tracks ideal for healing out on the highway looking for adventure. His direct approach is cleansing and genuine, giving him the vibe of someone who is actually playing music for its own sake and value. He also recorded, mixed, and produced the record himself, which makes a lot of sense because he seems like a man who knows what he wants to hear.

Johnson is a seasoned musician who has been in the game for more than 40 years. He came up during the British Invasion, began his guitar journey at just ten years old and was soon playing gigs around the Midwest. He moved to New York City at 18, quickly finding gigs and session work there and appearing on MTV with the band ArcAngel. Johnson has also collaborated with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper) as well as Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult) and Charlie Huhn (Gary Moore, Foghat) and recorded with Robert Cray, Canned Heat and Joe Bonamassa.

JJJ released his solo debut Strange Imagination in 2004 and has since established himself as an artist and bandleader of no small talent. He’s been featured on the compilation Shrapnel Records Presents The Best Of Modern Blues with guitar stars Leslie West, Pat Travers, Neal Schon (Journey), and Eric Gales and has shared stages with the likes of Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, John Mayall, Jefferson Starship, and Foghat.

Jay’s party starts with the steady-rocking “Got To Burn,” a mid-speed grinder with a second-generation ZZ Top feel. Johnson takes his solo way past the Texas line, however, mixing tasty blues lines with fleet-fingered rock licks that help turn the heat up high. He’s his own player, that’s for sure, and follows his instincts as a soloist. First, he makes it talk and then he makes it scream.

Johnson’s title cut “Man On A Mission” is a bare-knuckle roadhouse scrapper with a tight power trio sound. He makes the most of the huge rock pocket put down by bassist Reed Bogart and drummer Jeff Donaldson, wailing out his solos and gravel-throating his vocal with fever and frenzy. The three musicians make up a monster ensemble that knows exactly how to bring down the walls.

“No Disguise” is an epic and atmospheric soul/blues/rock track that veers between a wise mellowness and a broad mix of rock and soul ideas. Johnson shows us what lies outside of his blues box on the guitar, playing some of his most articulate and emotive parts on the entire set. He works himself way out into space without showing fear, losing focus, or falling into the pit of self-indulgence. Take it as a strong statement from someone in control of every note he plays.

Johnson plays some smoking slide to open “One Day At A Time,” then lets the band kick in with a big beat. Of course, he rips more righteous guitar lines on it that sit in the sweet spot between blues/rock and shred, as he does throughout the record. Johnson’s blend of phrasing and chops borders on perfect and gives him a strong identity. Guitar fans looking for new music that pushes the idea of blues/rock forward will find a lot to like about Jay Jesse Johnson. Be the first on your block to rattle the windows with this one.

Listen to “Whatever You Want”

 
 Jay Jesse Johnson website