BIO:
Alvon Johnson: 2005 Guitar Player of the Year, Former vocalist with the Rock and Roll Hall of fame group "The Coasters", Regional winner of the Guitar Centers "King of the Blues" national contest in 2006 and 2007, his CD “The Blues Grew up was nominated for Outstanding Blues Album 2004 and Voted in top ten CD in Japan in 2005. His latest CD Guitars and Cars was voted in top ten CD’s of 2008 by the prestigious Blues magazine “Real Blues ”.
His early influences were Guitar players such as Wes Montgomery, Andre Segovia, Charlie Christian, and of course Jimi Hendrix. His vocalist influences were Joe Williams, Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.
Throughout his career he has performed with many well known artists, including The Drifters, The Shirelles, Bobby Day of Rocking’ Robin fame, Otis Day and the Knights, and Jimmie Rodgers of Country and Western fame. Alvon sought out, and learned, at the feet of many icons of the blues, including: John Lee Hooker, Pee Wee Crayton, Little Joe Blue, Harmonica Fats, Sonny Green, Frankie Lee, Guitar Shorty, Lowell Folsom, and Buddy Ace.
Alvon worked with comedians such as Renaldo Rey, Robin Harris, Skillet and Leroy, and Lawanda Paige (Aunt Ester), from the Redd Foxx show. Having the opportunity to learn from these outstanding comedians helped to develop Alvon‘s own special sense of humor. Alvon has performed on the international level as well as nationally in such places as Malaysia, Russia, China, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, The Bahamas, Australia, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City and many other cities all across the United States.
His performances have been described as :
This is one man that can send any woman out of her mind with his soulful voice and moving guitar music. If you have ever seen and heard Alvon, then you know his singing and playing his guitar can send you into ecstasy with his soft, soothing sexy voice and then turn you into a wild woman with his magnificent guitar playing and body movements. This is a true showman, and he gives his all in all of his performances. If you have not been to one of his shows, you owe yourself this one pleasurable evening with a man that can change your life in just one night. You will be glad you did. Described by a Fan…….
His self titled CD was spoken of and described as :
This month was Muddy Waters Month on "Blues Edition" which is a radio program I host on Saturday nights in the Chicago area. This week's show was dedicated to Muddy's legacy - covers of Muddy's songs ect. Well the listening audience was unanimous that Alvon's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" was spectacular. It is a cutting edge rendition which holds its own with Muddy's original which is, of course, one of the top ten blues recordings of all time. Chicago is drenched in blues talent (we're proud of it too) and Alvon can go head to head with the best around here.
Greg Freerksen, host "Blues Edition" Public Radio from College of DuPage, 90.9 FM WDCB, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 7-9 pm Saturdays.
His second CD was spoken of and described as :
If there ever was a blues album that could change the face of every blues album to come, it's got to be this one. Alvon delivers the blues in a smooth, exciting, and energetic fashion. The thing that I liked most about this album, was that everyone on it seemed like that were having a great time playing the music. This is real blues with a touch of flavor. I loved every single song on this album. The lyrics where great, the guitars where smokin', and the feeling was oh so right! I like to feel the music, and there wasn't a problem at all with the feeling being presented on this album. It's too bad I can't hear blues like this more often. I am truly honored to review this music. The Blues may have grown up, but it's still as good as it's ever been. Alvon shows that here with every note and every word.
- Michael Allison - THEGLOBALMUSE.COM Song Pick: "Heaven" - (This is just great blues guitar baby) Sound Quality: Five Stars
Production: Five Star
Musicianship: Five Star:
Originality: Four Stars
Over All: Five Star
Review of Alvon "The Blues Grew Up" AVJ2
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