Meet Reviewer Damian Erskine
Doug Johns
"Pocket Fulla Nasty"
www.dougjohns.com
You may recall from my review of Doug's previous self-titled CD
that I was really impressed with both his playing and writing. Well,
I'm happy to report that "Pocket Fulla Nasty" is exactly what is says
and blows the first release out of the water! Doug's also recruited
some of my favorite players on here (Oz Noy on guitar and Otmaro Ruiz
on Keys for example.... whoo!). Doug's playing is very deep and chocked
FULL of groove and pocket. He has a hard plucking technique (almost
sounds slapped, but I don't believe it is. More of a hybrid with a
heavy finger-style plucking) that really is key to his ability to pull
a wealth of tone, overtones and sounds out of his bass that only come
with great technique and attention to detail. The tunes are heavy with
groove, a bit rocking here and there, a little sweet here and there
but, for the most part, nothing but great bass work and a stellar band!
The tunes are very cool as well.A very heavy lesson in groove-ology is
in store with this one... Highly recommended.