· JOHNNY HUNKINS - DOWN IN FLAMES (GYR127) ·

::T R A C K S::

01. DOWN IN FLAMES
02. RINGS OF SATURN
03. GONNA HAVE A PARTY
04. SHE’S IN LOVE
05. SUMMER OF ‘79
06. LITTLE BLACK DRESS
07. RIVER IS RISIN’
08. ROCKIN’ IN THE USA
09. THANK YOU BABY
10. YOU GIVE LOVE
11. DRESDEN BURNING
12. OMNIA IN FUTURUM


FORMAT: Audio CD
6-Panel CD Wallet + 8-Page Booklet
GYR127 - $14.99

Outstanding 2nd studio disc by this awesome axeripper from California featuring 12 tracks of excellent, high-adrenaline, classic guitar rock mojo of brain-damaging proportions. Johnny Hunkins is a first rate, world-class guitarist who has produced his finest musical hour to date on the incredible "Down In Flames" disc. An essential, highly entertaining, dynamic, melodic, blues-based, hard-rocker that includes Special Guests: Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent/Whitford St. Holmes) & Jarrod England (Rufus Huff/Black Mountain Prophet) on vocals, Chris Duarte on guitar, Dirty Dave Osti on guitar & vocals, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/The Firm/Whitesnake) on bass and Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul) on drums. A superb, killer, six string-fueled musical ride that will rock your world "Down In Flames".


The hard rock you loved growing up hasn’t died, it’s been reborn in 3D on Johnny Hunkins’ new Grooveyard Records CD “Down In Flames.” Hunkins has taken powerful musical influences from hard rock and pop radio of the 1970s and ‘80s, and woven them into a brilliant organic tapestry of original songs in a traditional drums/bass/guitar/keyboard format. At times triumphant, heartbreaking, joyous, and angry, “Down In Flames” takes the listener on a fantastic, musically expansive journey that sounds at once familiar, yet refreshingly different. Its introspective socially conscious lyrics are relentlessly propelled by emotive harmonies, a driving beat, explosive riffing, and incendiary guitar playing that will have you reaching for the replay button throughout the disc’s 54-minute duration. (The CD is also packaged in an artistic 6-panel wallet with an 8-page booklet for a totally immersive multi-media experience.) The disc also features breathtaking guest performances by Chris Duarte, Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Tony Franklin (The Firm, Whitesnake), Jarrod England (Rufus Huff, Black Mountain Prophet), Ryan Hoyle (Paul Rodgers, Collective Soul), and Dirty Dave Osti. If you’re looking for authentic hard rock with a brave, forward-facing edge, “Down In Flames” delivers the goods!


MP3 Sample Clips

01. DOWN IN FLAMES
02. RINGS OF SATURN
03. GONNA HAVE A PARTY
04. SHE’S IN LOVE
05. SUMMER OF ‘79
06. LITTLE BLACK DRESS
07. RIVER IS RISIN’
08. ROCKIN’ IN THE USA
09. THANK YOU BABY
10. YOU GIVE LOVE
11. DRESDEN BURNING
12. OMNIA IN FUTURUM

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· VIDEO ·

 

JOHNNY HUNKINS - "Gonna Have A Party"

 

 

· reviews ·

In 2011 American blues rocker Johnny Hunkins released his debut "Talladega Pile-Up" on Grooveyard Records, fitting in well with the labels armada of killer blues heavy rock guitarists. Now it’s time for the follow-up and I must say I’m positively surprised. The debut was great, but this album feels like it’s on a different level. Both the song writing and production has elevated. Johnny is still a kick-ass guitarist, so nothing different there. He’s also a great singer, but this time he has however invited some prominent colleagues to share that bit. First up is Nugent/St. Paradise singer Derek St. Holmes, whose voice I totally love. He does really well here as well, even though I do miss some of his juvenile power. This part is however definitely totally killed by Rufus Huff powerhouse Jarrod England, who lends his raspy, bluesy awesome vocal cords to the song "Gonna Have A Party". Man, this guy really gives me goosebumps (no, I f***ing refuse to say “goosies”!). Jarrod returns in the outstanding riff rocker "River Is Risin’", where I swear his vocal cords must be all curled up. This track also features former Blue Murder/The Firm bassist Tony Franklin, who really complements Ryan Hoyle’s groovy drumming and then, of course, Hunkins riffing and cool solo wailing all over the song. This one almost has a Zeppelinish vibe to it with some cool tempo changes giving it a nice broad spectrum. Hats off to you Mr. Hunkins for a top notch delivery.

Janne Stark / Stark Music Reviews) (Septermber 2014)
 


California based Blues rock guitarist, Johnny Hunkins is back with his smoking sophomore release, 'Down In Flames'. For those new to this amazing guitarist, Johnny Hunkins plays a mean blues-rock guitar in the style of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Gary Moore . 'Down In Flames' is blues based, straying into rock and even a couple of laid back numbers. The album also features special guests: Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent/Whitford St. Holmes) & Jarrod England (Rufus Huff/Black Mountain Prophet) on vocals, Chris Duarte on guitar, Dirty Dave Osti on guitar & vocals, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/The Firm/Whitesnake) on bass and Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul) on drums. Quite simply, this is an outstanding sophomore effort from Mr. Hunkins. There are no real surprises here, just premium quality blues rock guitar and an excellent supporting cast on all tracks. All songs are up tempo and each moves from track to track rather seamlessly. Whether your taste runs more to the gritty power guitar of tracks a like, "Down In Flames', "Rings Of Saturn" featuring, Derek St. Holmes or to the smooth laid back swagger of songs like, "You Give Love" or "Dresden Burning" there is something here for everyone. There is a quality to the music that makes this CD a personal favorite and a definite must have for any blues/rock fan. The bottom line: 'Down In Flames' is a very solid and well produced recording - with not one "fwd" worthy track on it. On the other hand, it has many which would dutifully warrant a "repeat" button. If you are curious about who Johnny Hunkins is and what his music is about, then this is a worthy starting point. - Highly recommended.

Tony Sison / The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine (October 2014)
 


Johnny Hunkins’ second studio output, Down In Flames, comes with a disclaimer. “I am not a professional musician, just a regular guy with a regular job,” he writes in the CD’s liner notes. Hunkins is dedicated to creating rock ‘n’ roll no matter what the cost. He recorded Down In Flames in his tiny loft apartment on a 32-track portastudio over a period of three years. He even made the bold move of ringing up vocalist Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), drummer Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul) and renowned blues guitarists Chris Duarte and ‘Dirty’ Dave Osti to ask if they could lend a hand. Everyone showed up delivering stellar performance across all 12-tracks including a handful of mind-blowing scorchers. Hunkins resonates on the album’s title track “Down In Flames”. His husky voice and gritty guitar brings honest authenticity and genuine passion to his music. With a voice similarity to Steve Miller, Hunkins effortlessly captures the spirit of mid-Seventies arena rock from power chord anthems to emotionally charged ballads.

The Melodic “Rings Of Saturn” hosting Derek St. Holmes is a gorgeous, layered AOR standard. Chugging guitar, galloping bass and bombastic drums drives this cosmic fantasy. Duarte’s solos on the track are fierce and inspirational, not overblown, but elegantly instrumental. “Gonna Have A Party” is a boogie-train, funk machine, with singer Jarrod England (Rufus Huff / Black Mountain Prophet) delivering a righteous soul shaker while “River Is Risin” (also featuring England) is a modern, face-melting, riff-monster that screams classic heavy rock. The pop swing of “Thank You Baby” sees Hunkins’ top-40 side, catchy, rhythmic and fun. “Little Black Dress” has some Fly Like An Eagle moments with superb guitar playing that capitalizes on its retro beat. Slow burner “Summer Of ‘79” puts a stamp on the record’s timeline while the traditional blues “Rockin’ In The USA” hosts the best of Dave Osti’s incredible vocal and guitar talent. Hunkins is no slouch when it comes to big, beautiful ballads with the mid-tempo “She’s In Love”, Toto-like “You Give Love” and contemplative “Dresden Burning”. Final track, Gregorian chant “Omnia In Futurum” is dedicated to the artist’s father.

Todd K. Smith - The Electric Beard / The Cutting Edge (October 2014)
 


Hunker down and let your ears enjoy Johnny Hunkins. We're talking hard rock at its best -- guitar hero mojo for the 21st century. Speed, chops, and feel, and having guests like Tony Franklin and Chris Duarte doesn't hurt, either. A Little Bad Company, a little Free, two dashes of Johnny Winter, and you catch the drift. All original material but with a nod to the masters. This record rocks from start to finish, but Hunkins deals well with nuance, suggestion, and color, making him a good many notchs above your average shredder. In fact, I'd love to see this guy in concert -- he'd definitely bring the house down in flames!

Steve Rosen - Author / Journalist (October 2014)
 


If Johnny Hunkins is Down In Flames, then the album he's created of the same name is sure as hell rising from ashes; for, put simply, if you're hankering for an eclectic, yet always blues based guitar rock album, then look no further, this is it. The guitar is undoubtedly the star here, however 'DIF' isn't an instrumental affair, instead Johnny H also adds a gritty, soulful vocal to most of the twelve tracks on display while a trio of guest vocalists also add their tones. Hunkins himself has a fine voice, rich and full, and while he does have a tendency to add a slightly grating vibrato to his delivery in an attempt to add aggression, it is the only slight flaw in this department. Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) turns up for a romp through the upbeat roar of "Rings Of Saturn," a song where the riff really hits an irresistible stride as Chris Duarte adds a classy guest solo. Jarrod Englund takes vocal duties for the commercial, Clapton-like and Tony Franklin- (The Firm/Blue Murder) bass enhanced "Gonna Have A Party" and Sammy Hagar at his fiery best like "River Is Risin'". While Dirty Dave Osti more than howls with delight on "Rockin' In The USA", where he also jettisons a couple of searing solos from his axe. Hunkins isn't outdone though, his vocal on the considered album highlight "Dresden Burning" an absolute stunner, as is the Stevie Ray Vaughn like chug of opener "Down In Flames".

The whole album is a blues masterclass, whether low slung and easy in attitude, or bristling and in your face, Hunkins peeling off riff after soul enriching riff, reigning things in just long enough to ensure the next full on excursion hits hard and deep, while drummer Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul/Paul Rodgers) does a bang up job of nailing all the grooves and moves to the floor. However while the spirallingly addictive "Little Black Dress" and aforementioned title cut show the energetic side of Down In Flames to amazing effect, it is Hunkins' ability to combine that attack to the Beatles with balls of "You Give Love", upbeat shuffle of "Thank You Baby" and reminiscing "Summer Of '79" (no relation to Bryan Adams "...69"), which takes what could have been a simple solid blues rock workout and turns it into an album which draws you back again and again.

Down In Flames is another in the line of tremendous guitar led releases from the ever reliable Grooveyard Records, and as such comes highly recommended for those who love the blues, those who love to rock and those who love so much more.

Steven Reid / Sea Of Tranquility (November 2014)
 



 


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