Floating Boats is a tour de force and a major accomplishment by one of our very own.
Johnnie's brief bio at his web site says:
"Johnnie Christie has been touring and recording since 1985 and quickly became known for his "rockalypso" sound, blending rock with his native Bahamian-style calypso. Along with Floating Boats, Johnnie toured New England, DC, and New York extensively during the late 80s and early 90s, honing his unique vocal style and songwriting. Johnnie returned to his hometown, Nassau, taking a break from touring but not from songwriting. In 2009, he co-founded 25 North in the Bahamas and the band quickly gained a loyal following for their upbeat but rare appearances. In 2013, Johnnie created a new band to promote his new album, recorded in the 90s but only recently released."
Before I get to a limited review of the songs below, one of the reasons Johnnie released the cd now and is relatively active around the local music scene with live dates (with his fabulous band (from left to right in the photo) - Johnnie Christie, guitar and lead vocal - from 25 North, Joe Euteneuer, lead guitar and vocals - from 25 North, Ricky Rolle, drums - from Sub Culture, Kyle Baley, keyboards - from 25 North and Andrew Beckford, bass - from Sub Culture) is "to advance the Bahamian music industry in general. In particular, he mentions the lack of young bands and he wants to encourage younger musicians to get out there and start playing as much as possible and put themselves out there."
So give it a listen, buy it, and support live music, and enjoy Green Light below.
In the immortal words of the great economist Ludwig von Mises who would have celebrated his birthday yesterday; "It is a hopeless task to interpret a symphony, a painting, or a novel. The interpreter at best tries to tell us something about his reaction to the work…. There are no words to describe the ineffable." (Ludwig von Mises, Theory and History, p. 276)
Having said that I now offer my "reaction to the work". A less than professional analysis. But I know I simply enjoy the music and trust you will too!
Will You, goes from a slow ballad to a driving beat.
Martyr, features Johnnie's neat rockalypso beat one of my favourites.
Visions interesting mix here - neat backing vocals with driving drum and bass lines and a nice lead guitar riff about the 2 minute mark.
Colours, another rockalypso number that's sure to get you doing the merengue.
No One Be Lonely a fast paced number with an interesting segue into the final verse
Here Comes The Loneliness a neat ballad of a guy longing for a love.
Round and Around a fast paced song with superb, if not frenetic, bass work and interesting lead and backing vocals throughout and then junkanoo influences near the end. Love it.
Wrapped Around Your Heart. Another rocker of Anticipation of "the moment" with a lovely lady.
Green Light is a fast paced, almost punk/new wave with neat trumpet and lead guitar work. Love it. If this doesn't get your toe tapping, throw in the towel.
Cover Me Fast, rockalypso makes its return to the cd reminiscing about a relationship.
Same Stars, Same Moon finishes the cd off with a nice rocker with great percussion/drum work and a superb lead guitar solo.
If you don't have the cd yet, please buy it. You can get it on iTunes or contact the band via their Facebook page here… or at ReverbNation here
