Connor Ray Music announces an October 5th release date for the debut CD from Houston-based duo, Dry Johnson, Long Live Them Blues, Vol. 1.
Dry Johnson is comprised of bassist Terry Dry and drummer Matthew Robert Johnson, who collectively have formed the powerhouse rhythm section backing award-winning Texas guitarslinger Mike Zito for almost two years. Dry and Johnson met for the first time in Fargo, North Dakota in 1998 and played together a few years later in Houston, Texas. They have continued playing music together off and on for 20 years.
“I met Matthew Robert Johnson and Terry Dry in St. Louis around 2002 when I opened a show for Hadden Sayers,” writes Zito in the album’s liner notes. “I still remember thinking they sounded really good and had a big sound.
“Matt and Terry share a love for the American art form. The blues brought them together and has given them a musical purpose to work toward. Matthew’s drumming is strong and immense, while Terry’s bass playing is solid and straight forward. Together they make a sound that is large and tight, round and moving. Always musical and consistent, they work together to form a foundation that any guitarist, vocalist or band can make great music with.”
Zito joins in on Long Live Them Blues, Vol. 1 by playing guitar and singing on several tracks including a soul-searing duet with another Houston favorite, Annika Chambers, on the lead-off song, “Daddy’s Got a Cadillac.”
Other special guests on the Dry Johnson debut include legendary singer (and Connor Ray labelmate) Trudy Lynn, guitarists Jonn Del Toro Richardson, Mighty Orq and James Wilhite, harmonica ace Steve Krase, and beloved Houston musician Kevin “Snit” Fitzpatrick on vocals.
All of the songs on the new CD are originals, with the exception of a nifty cover of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Hit the Highway.”
“Getting this out has been a year and a half in the making,” admits Johnson. “Terry and I originally thought up the idea after a gig with Mike Zito in a hotel room in Florida. We discussed the idea of doing a project as a rhythm section, with all of the artists that we have either worked with in the past, or would like to work with in the future…and Dry Johnson was born. I can only hope that we have done this great city and its incredible musical legacy some justice with this recording.”
*Feature image courtesy of Mark Pucci Media
