#619 : Johnny Wheels and The Swamp Donkeys - Keep on Pushin' (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2022 – Lightning in a Bottle Records

By Phillip Smith; June 17, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

A magical energy abundantly flows from the latest album Keep on Pushin’ by Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys a Finalist Band in the 2020 International Blues Challenge.   The music this tight-knit ensemble cooks up is a special blend of Blues, R & B, Rock, Soul, and Funk.  With Johnny “Wheels” Kennicott taking on the frontman position on vocals and harmonica, the rest of this extraordinary band is comprised of guitarist Brandon Logan, drummer Doug Knoyle, guitarist Michael Rabe, bassist Taylor Frazier..  

I love the opening track “On the Run” with its funky little rhythm and punchy horns.  Wheels sings it smooth but keeps a slight rasp in his back pocket for when it’s needed on this briefcase full of Memphis-stye soul.  Logan adds heat to the song on guitar.  This track certainly sets the free-flowing vibe for the rest of the album.  “George Fisk” keeps the flow open wide, with a big jam-friendly convergence of dance-inducing sound.  It is wonderful.  I dig the Funkadelic “Maggot Brain”-influenced intro on “This Time”.  This blues-soaked rocker about starting over slowly turns the heat up until you can feel the sweat.  Wheels conjures up a stellar performance on a wave of sixties-style funk on “Light Me Up (Hold Me In)”.  Topped with a swinging organ and horn accompaniment, this feel-good track brings joy to me.  Lucious blasts of brass, smoldering harp, a riveting beat, and a searing guitar performance come together for the brilliant execution of “Finding your Way Back Home”.  It’s an amazing listen.  The First Lady of Portland Blues LaRhonda Steele joins the band on vocals for a soulful, blues-soaked closer “Time to Bail (Keep on Pushin’).  This heart-felt tune about moving forward is an open letter of encouragement.    

Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys land in the same category as two of my favorite artists, Ghost Town Blues Band, and John Nemeth.  Currently in heavy-rotation for my listening pleasure, Keep on Pushin’ is a splendid record from beginning to end.                     

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TRACK LISTINGS

 

1. On the Run

2. George Fisk

3. This Time

4. As Long as You’re Here

5. Light Me Up (Hold Me In)

6.The Fall

7. Finding Your Way Back Home

8. Mizz Karman

9. Time to Bail (Keep on Pushin’)

 

For more information about Johnny Wheels and The Swamp Donkeys visit their website at :  https://johnnywheelsband.com/