BIG LLOU JOHNSON

They Call Me Big Llou

Goldenvoice Audio Recordings

By Dawn O’Keefe Williams

You can hear his deep bass voice on XM Sirius Satellite Radio as he announces for the B.B. King Bluesville radio network.  And now you can hear that same outstanding personality as he expresses the blues on his debut CD, They Call Me Big LLou . Big Llou Johnson is a man’s man with a vocal presence that is commanding without being harsh.  And yet his voice resonates over you, soothing and velvety; it’s the kind of voice that’s hypnotic and makes women want to melt.

Big Llou, a native of Chicago who hails from the West Side, put together a select group of songs that features not only some wonderful blues standards such as “Help Me” and “Rock Me Baby, but includes some funk, R&B, and a touch of contemporary jazz, along with an original written by Johnson, “They Call Me Big Llou”.  And Big Llou can’t help himself.  He’s just out-and-out sexy and he knows it, thus his decision to put his vocal skills to use on this debut CD.  With a degree in Broadcast Communications from Chicago’s Columbia College and experience as a live event personality, along with film and theater acting, it was natural for him to add quips throughout, with a chuckle here and there. It takes the CD to a whole different level, making him endearing, approachable, fun and yes, so sexy.

Russ Green, the producer of Johnson’s self-titled CD, is also a very talented harp player as evidenced on the cuts he performs on.  He plays behind Big Llou, not over him, with some tasty fills and solos. Green’s musical history is impressive; he’s toured Europe, performing at prominent blues fests in England, Scotland, Chicago and San Francisco, earning positive reviews and gaining attention.   With his producer hat on, Green picked the band members to play on this project featuring accomplished Chicago musicians. There’s Mike Wheeler on guitar (who also plays with Big James & The Chicago Playboys and with Peaches Staten) who is a headliner in his own right.  Bassist Ricky Nelson is a versatile musician who also played drums for Koko Taylor and Big Time Sarah, along with bass for the late guitarist Chico Banks and more. Ronnie Hicks is on keys; he backs numerous blues artists such as Cicero Blake, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Artie White and the list goes on.   Dejuan Austin is on drums and also plays with Ronnie Hicks in Masheen Company.  Charles Pryor on trumpet is a musician of choice, evidenced by his many appearances on festivals and club stages.

            Keith Stewart, the vocal producer, did an excellent job in keeping Big Llou’s voice out front and strong, as well as bringing the backup vocals to the front without being overbearing. For instance, on the tune “Git Me Some” the backup singers bring a different fabric to the song with their clear, concise, melodic voices.  This arrangement serves as a good counter point to Big Llou’s deep voice.  This New Orleans style rhythm was set by Dejuan’s marching drumbeat and then layered with Wheeler’s guitar and layered again with Green’s harp in the melodic loop.  The piano acts as part of the percussion along with the bass.  All in all, this is a very interesting arrangement built around Big Llou’s bass.

The opening song, “They Call Me Big Llou,” penned by Johnson, sets the tone of the CD with a Chicago style shuffle.  The groove seems to grab you and take you along for a ride, especially at the end when the band vamps and Big Llou weaves his spell with that unmistakable sultry voice, “Let me take you home…” he purrs. In an interview with Chicago Blues Guide’s Jennifer Noble, Big Llou revealed that the idea behind this song was influenced by Bobby Rush when he told the singer, “…you got to write a song and put your name in it”.  That’s just what Llou did; he was surprised to find out how much people liked it!

There’s a bit of Barry White’s influence in Big Llou’s vocal inflections as he sings “Dogg”, a funky song that starts with a cool bass run.  This cut allows Big Llou to showcase his ability to let his voice become gentle as he ever so slightly slides into some notes with just a hint of vibrato.  Then there is Johnson’s up-tempo rendition of Barry White’s original “Your Sweetness Is My Weakness” and the sultry, sensuous song “Flesh and Blood” with a touch of classy, contemporary jazz fused by the moody trumpet of Charles Pryor. 

Johnson’s interpretation of the blues is where he shines vocally. His voice is strong, clear and seems relaxed and at home as he sings the rockin’ “Three Hundred Pounds of Joy” as well as a slow version of “Rock Me Baby” that makes you want to get your partner and dance a grind.  The arrangement at the end of “Rock Me Baby” with Green and Wheeler is outstanding.  That’s the stuff that takes the blues up another notch. On the midtempo “Help Me” the instrumentation is a statement of what blues is all about; Big Llou delivers it so well with that big, deep voice that possesses a unique “golden quality” timbre.

Listening to They Call Me Big Llou is almost like reading a storyline. Each song takes you to a different chapter -- from his introduction to himself to his romantic adventures, from “Dogg” through “Help Me”.  So, you will excuse me as I curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and my favorite chocolate as I “Git Me Some” more of the CD They Call Me Big Llou”.  I just can’t get enough!

To purchase Big Llou’s CD, visit:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/biglloujohnson

 For more info, visit:
 www.bigllou.com

 www.reverbnation.com/bigllou

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