By: Ann Wickstrom
ennsylvania guitarist Johnny Roth - not to be confused with John Roth of the 80's
hair band Winger - serves up seven tracks of instrumental blues with a rock edge on
his debut CD, a definite keeper. Roth's influences are no secret here: his tone and
phrasing often echo Robben Ford, particularly on the title track (a reference to his
shy nature). A good dose of well-executed slide weaves through the tunes, often
serving as a nod to Duane Allman. Demoman is proof positive that even though he adds
an edge and brings his own voice to the blues, Roth has put in his time studying the
masters of the genre. Plop Freddie King into the here and now, and this is a song he
might pen.The songs here - at times spiced with a little jazz and funk - are catchy
and memorable, and the playing ranks right up there with any number of today's
better-known guitar heroes. Guitar aficionados will love Roth's bold tone and clean
playing, but they may also find fault with the disc: it's too short.
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