Scott Johnson

Scott Johnson's new release is a fusion of all that is local. While the Gin Blossoms' guitarist has risen to national success and recognition, this album truly does feel homegrown. That might have something to do with the album's being recorded primarily at local studios or, perhaps, it's a result of the collaboration with several local artists. Hell, maybe it's just because you could bump into any one of the members of the Scott Johnson band on a Monday night at the Yucca Tap Room, and the CD release party was a who's who of local music. The record brings fresh ideas, yet reminds the listener of old ones. The opening track, "Beautiful Day," turns surprisingly Dixieland in the end, and features members of The Primate Fiasco. "Stop" is performed by the Gin Blossoms, and "Chorus" sounds like it could've been a Refreshments song. (This is not entirely surprising, as Johnson's drummer, P.H. Naffah, also played with the Refreshments and, now, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers.) "I Got Them Blues," cowritten and sung by Meredith Moore, provides yet another contrast with, just as the name implies, a straight-up blues tune. The album culminates in "Sweet Melissa," which melds together blues, pop, and Americana to create a distinct sound.