FIRE by Johnny J Blair "Singer at Large"

Back again as a download album, FIRE received glowing reviews and sold around the world when it was first released in 2000. Every song on the album received airplay in nine countries (including some "number ones" in Australia and Germany).

FIRE cooks up "a musical stew of obsessions"—Brit-pop, gospel, funk, hip-hop, jazz, Latin rock, 80s new wave, reggae, techno and vocal groups from the 50s and 60s.

The late Davy Jones (The Monkees) appeared on 3 tracks. Samples of a Jones/Monkees song, "Oh What a Night," were looped into "A Little Industrial Nachtmusik," an instrumental showcasing the electronics wizardry of John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Ministry). "Nachtmusik" was recorded at a "hideaway studio in the middle of Amish country," mused Blair. "John and I are both Kraftwerk fans. I did a Mellotron flute solo. He brought in gigantic synthesizers and gave it breadth. We wanted to make an imaginary theme for a sci-fi cop movie. If there's ever a 'Blade Runner 2,' this should be in it."

Wayne Avers and Sandy Gennaro--both alumni from Monkees touring bands--appear on "Throw the First Stone," a "psychedelic soul suite" blending prog-rock experimentation with Talking Heads-style funk. "People Medley" features legendary drummer Jab'O Starks (James Brown) with percussionists Henry Gibson (Curtis Mayfield) and "Pistol" Allen (Motown).

Quieter sections of FIRE include the title cut (with dexterous guitar by Tim Breon) and "Man of Sorrows," a velvety orchestral jazz remake of a Philip Bliss hymn with Blair on piano, quoting Duke Ellington and George Gershwin.

Recording sessions for FIRE took place on 3 continents and around the USA but was forged mostly in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Blair said the 11-song project wouldn't exist had it not been for "a little help from my friends. While I was recording, Williamsport became like a big campfire and friends from all over, musicians and otherwise, kept the light burning."

Get your FIRE stoked by downloading this album or purchase a signed limited edition CD (while they last).

Tracklist

1.	Dancin' by the River (Urban BBQ Mix)	5:30

2.	Johnny J. Blair feat. Jabo Starks - People Medley: Everyday People - Fishers of Men - One for the Pastor	4:41

3.	Johnny J. Blair feat. Tim Breon - Fire	1:27

4.	Johnny J. Blair feat. Monette Newsuan - All Things Are Possible	4:22

5.	One Wonderful Smile	5:16

6.	Johnny J. Blair feat. Davy Jones + Dan Rielly - Love, Love Alone	3:32

7.	Johnny J. Blair feat. John Bechdel & Davy Jones - A Little Industrial Nachtmusik	3:23

8.	Johnny J. Blair feat. Lady A - Lighten Up	6:58

9.	Johnny J. Blair feat. evinrude & Bill Matlack, Jr. - Dancin' by the River (Tex-Mex Garage Mix)	3:35

10.	Throw the First Stone	7:51

11.	Man of Sorrows	5:23

Videos

Credits

released September 13, 2021

Johnny J. Blair with Davy Jones (Monkees), John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Ministry), Jab'O Starks (James Brown), Wayne Avers (Monkees, Todd Rundgren), Sandy Gennaro (Monkees, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett), Erik Nielsen (Pointer Sisters), Tim Breon (Martha Reeves, Olivia Newton-John), Lady A, Monette Newsuan, Dan Reilly, and other notables.

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