Johnny Roth Still Not Talkin' CD

Pennsylvania guitarist Johnny Roth -- not to be confused with John Roth of the '80s hair band Winger -- serves up seven tracks of instrumental blues with a rock edge on his debut CD, a definite keeper. Roth's influences are no secret here: his tone and phrasing often echo Robben Ford's, particularly on the title track (a reference to his shy nature). A good dose of well-executed slide weaves through the tunes, often serving as a nod to Duane Allman. "Demoman" is proof positive that even though he adds an edge and brings his own voice to the blues, Roth has put in his time studying the masters of the genre. Plop Freddie King into the here and now, and this is a song he might pen. The songs here -- at times spiced with a little jazz and funk -- are catchy and memorable, and the playing ranks right up there with any number of today's better-known guitar heroes. Guitar aficionados will love Roth's bold tone and clean playing, but they may also find fault with the disc: it's too short. ~ Ann Wickstrom

Review by:AMG - All Music Guide, September 2003Written by: Ann WickstromPennsylvania guitarist Johnny Roth serves up seven tracks of instrumental blues with a rock edge on his debut CD, a definite keeper. Roth's influences are no secret here: his tone and phrasing often echo Robben Ford, particularly on the title track (a reference to his shy nature). A good dose of well-executed slide weaves through the tunes, often serving as a nod to Duane Allman. Demoman is proof positive that even though he adds an edge and brings his own voice to the blues, Roth has put in his time studying the masters of the genre. Plop Freddie King into the here and now, and this is a song he might pen.The songs here - at times spiced with a little jazz and funk - are catchy and memorable, and the playing ranks right up there with any number of today's better-known guitar heroes. Guitar aficionados will love Roth's bold tone and clean playing, but they may also find fault with the disc: it's too short.Following Review by:20th Century Guitar Magazine, July 2003Written by: Robert SilversteinSounding like a young Duane Allman, guitarist Johnny Roth cooks up a powerful mix of instrumental blues-rock and rootsy jazz on his self-produced 2003 seven track CD. Making good use of his '56 Les Paul, his Baker B1C and Takamine acoustic guitars, Roth rips through some impressive fretboard techniques on Still Not Talkin'. In addition to playing the electric and acoustic guitars, Roth also skillfully performs the backing tracks. Clearly, Roth has the chops and songwriting gifts to become a rising force in his own right.The album was produced, engineered and mixed by Johnny Roth.Also, all of the tracks were written, arranged and performed by Johnny Roth.Mastering for the cd was done by John Vestman Mastering, Westminster, CA.