Dennis Johnson & The Mississippi Ramblers — Rhythmland

With Rhythmland, Dennis Johnson has delivered a well-thought-out, well rounded, thoroughly satifying collection of songs (9 of 10 being originals) that employ the slide guitar in all of its impressive versatility. If you are in the mood for a master musician dealing out a blend of blues, jazz, roots, Latin, rock and folk, this is the album for you.

The Bay Area vibe permeates the proceedings, giving the entire project an easy, breezy sense of exploration. These are songs that live comfortably in one genre near the frontier of another. Influences appear when least expected and the payoff is a refreshingly original album.

Produced by Dennis Johnson and Craig Long, the album features Dennis Johnson (guitar, vocals), Tim Metz (drums), Jonathan Stoyanoff (bass), and Craig Long (keyboards, background vocals). Together they weave rhythms and, occasionally, blues that will transport you and eventually return you an even better music lover.

Essential Downloads: “Walkin’ Blues,” “That Way No More,” “Valley of Love,” “Southbound Train.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.

Photo: Lisa And Camera LLC