Search - Johnny & Friends Otis :: Watts Funky

Absolutely Outstanding

J. Frankel | CT , US | 04/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Otis cut his teeth as a bluesman and the blues shine right through on this phenomenal collection. By the time these sides were recorded Mr. O was a 30 year veteran of the music business and was playing r&b to make the $. Johnny and frequently his son, Shuggie, either write, sing, side artist or produce on all 20 some odd glorious tracks. "Watts Breakaway" featuring a tip of the cap to Sly Stone, rates as a gem, as do Preston Love's rare single, "Cool Ade" and a freaky number called "Spells and Incantations" which leads the set. Just about every song here is a bluesy freakout that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.



I once went out of my way to recommend this album to an "associate" at Borders bookstore - that's how good this stuff is."