November 1999

Johnny Drummer
It's So Nice
Earwig Music Co.

By Bill Milkowski

On the funky side of things is Johnny Drummer's It's So Nice. A longtime vocalist and bandleader in Chicago, Drummer has a slick, soulful delivery in the tradition of Junior Wells. His debut album takes some unfortunate detours into smooth contemporary soul and R&B and is further hindered by a reliance on drum programs rather than the real deal. Blues purists will certainly appreciate the presence of guitarist Jimmy Johnson on two tracks, but too much of the rest registers well into the cheese zone.