JOHN MOONEY: Big Ol' Fiya

John Mooney

Big Ol' Fiya

© 2006 John Mooney (837101178174)

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"Big Ol' Fiya" Nominated for 2007 Blues Foundations BMA "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year". It's been a long time coming but Mooney has brought some profound musical styles and songwriting to his signature syncopated delta blues with this, his latest

notes

Throughout the years John Mooney has developed one of the most distinctive and easily identifiable guitar and vocal signatures of anyone alive today.
Part of the original impetus for his interest in music may have filtered down from his grandfather, a musician himself. “He used to play the mandolin and banjo back in the 20’s” says Mooney. “He even cut a couple of 78’s for the Peerless label that I’ve heard. It was really hot stuff, a kind of raggy jazz.“
John left home at 15 and began playing with Joe Beard at about that same time. Joe introduced him to the first and most enduring influence on the development of Mooney’s music, the legendary Delta blues singer, Ed “Son” House. Impressed by the 16 year old musician’s talent, Son and John soon became friends. “I wasn’t aware of what the
opportunity meant, but I knew there was nobody better in Delta blues.“ Mooney cites Son’s heavily rhythmic style having a strong influence on him. In fact, the way Mooney adapts acoustic playing to a modern electric format is one of his most distinctive trademarks.
In 1976 John moved to New Orleans and immersed himself in that city’s vibrant music scene. John regularly played with the likes of Earl King, The Meters, Snooks Eaglin, and the man who was to influence his music greatly, the father of New Orleans piano, Professor Longhair. He was playing regularly in front of New Orleans drummers like Zigaboo Modeliste, John Vidacovich, and Herman Ernest. At this place in time John successfully combined the sounds of the delta with the syncopated rhythms of the Crescent City to create the style that has become uniquely his own. Since 1981 he has been touring with his group, the Bluesiana Band, performing throughout the U.S., Canada, Panama, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Current Bluesiana band mates include long time band member Jeff Sarli on bass. Jeff may be best known for playing on the Rolling Stones “Bridges to Babylon” album and for sharing the stage with the likes of Keith Richards, Levon Helm, and the Band. Other Bluesiana members include the legendary Professor Longhair band mate Alfred “Uganda” Roberts on congas & percussion and renowned New Orleans drummer Carlo Nuccio perhaps best known for his work with Emmylou Harris and Tori Amos. Over the years John and his band have earned a musical reputation that have gained them invitations to play at numerous folk, jazz, and blues festivals across the globe, including the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Newport Folk Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and a yearly appearance at New Orleans’ world renowned Jazz & Heritage Festival.
In 2000 Mooney released “Gone to Hell,” with special guest Dr. John adding some extra spice. The critics welcomed this comeback with open arms and high praise. Blues Access called the album “a seductive musical cocktail that leaves you deliriously drunk with pleasure every time.“ Blues Revue wrote, ”‘Gone to Hell’ bumps, grinds, and simmers with the emotional intensity of a musician who plays directly from his soul to yours.“
His newest disc, “Big Ol’ Fiya” with special guest Jon Cleary has been a long time coming but Mooney has brought some profound musical styles and songwriting to his signature syncopated delta blues sound. If there was ever a Mooney CD to own, this one is truly it. By far his most heartfelt, intimate, soulful and incredibly intricate vocals, this is a John Mooney album that is simply like none other.

reviews

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  • Like a fine wine...
    author: Bruno Prager

    Just getting better and better. My favorite studio album to date. Already anticipating his next album.

  • the real deal
    author: francine calo

    john mooney has soul.... a bluesman to the bone...if he's singin' it, he's lived it....and that's why he's the real deal !!

  • Mooney is the Man
    author: Congo Red
  • YEAH YOU RIGHT!
    author: TPS

    great to hear a new cd from John. he changes it up a bit but keeps that sweet Mooney sound. can't go wrong wit dis one!

  • Super
    author: Geir

    This was the first time I heard this artist, looking forward to hearing an seeing him live in Sweden in july.

  • Wonderful! John has outdone himself this time.
    author: Tamara Smith

    This CD is what the BLUES is all about. It takes the listener into a world of relaxation and rhythm.

  • Fine stuff from the always interesting John Mooney
    author: Tim Niland

    The very real ups and downs that John Mooney has experienced in his life have taught him the real meaning of the blues. Learning to play a mean slide guitar and sing with passion at the foot of the legendary Son House, Mooney's professional career has been one of fits and starts, thrilling CD's and passionate concerts and longs gaps of silence while the personal demons were dealt with. This most recent comeback finds him with a self produced CD that emphasizes rhythm and vocals over his protean slide guitar playing. The songs however, are still as strong as ever. Although it's not an explicit tribute as many records in the wake of Katrina have been, the atmosphere of New Orleans, Mooney's adopted hometown, pervades the music. "2 Get 2 Heaven" opens the disc with Mooney directly confronting his problems over a boiling shuffle groove. "Big ol' Fiya" and "Dig My Way 2 China" are more traditional blues songs with some great lyrical turns, especially in the latter where he plaintively sings that his baby has him down so low that he's going to dig a hole to China to escape her. You can't get much more traditional that "Louise McGhee" either, one of Son House's classic tunes and here Mooney does his old mentor proud with a stripped down version of this famous blues song. "Drink a Little Poison (4 U Die)" is another song of note, with some killer New Orleans flavored drumming and a sing-a-long chorus. This is fine stuff from the always interesting John Mooney and fans of delta of swamp blues shouldn't hesitate. Hopefully he'll stick around for a while this time and grace us with some more great music soon.

  • New Orleans Swamp Blues at it's best!
    author: Michael Barndt

    John Mooney has few equals on the slide guitar. Big Ol' Fiya is no exception...JM delivers an astounding disc from one end to the other.

  • Delta Blues at it's best
    author: Dave Tolan

    John Mooney's new album Big Ol’ Fiya is raw Delta blues at it’s best. This album make the case that John is one of the best bluesman around these days. If there's a bluesman who's ever deserved blues stardom it has to be John Mooney. We have this album playing in the car and in the house as well as the iPod. Thanks for “Big Ol’ Fiya.”

  • Great mix of New Orleans and Delta blues !
    author: Jipes

    John Mooney new CD is a great mix of his usual "New Orleans meet Delta raw blues". From the Professor Longhair influenced tunes like "Big Ol'Fiya" or "Kiss me" which could be from Snooks Eaglin. John is also paying tribute to his mentor Son House with a great interpretation of "Louise McGhee". Mooney's original tunes are great and his singing is gettin better every time, his slide work is always very tight to the laid back groove with a lot of energy. The presence of Jon Cleary great pianist from the Crescent city (played with Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt) is a great addition. All in all a great CD that all blues lovers should get !

  • Great!
    author: Adrian

    John Mooney maintains his fantastic track record, which is great to see. Now if only he would tour farther afield, we might get to see him in the northwest from time to time!

  • One of the best
    author: Luca

    Well John Mooney is one of the best guitar player around. I have all his records and this is one of the best. Wonderful guitar playin, wonderful singin' and a great sound! Great to hear another Son House song and great to hear the Grayson Capps song that i've always loved. Buy this record and play it real loud.

  • This CD is even hotter than "Shortnin' Bread"!!!
    author: John Paul and David Cottle

    The only thing better than listening to this CD, or any of John's CD's is actually watching him play his guitar and singing in person!!!!! (Hope 2 C U soon!) Love Always, John Paul + David

  • Great
    author: Martha from Mississippi

    I think Sarah from Georgia must be my daughter. At least I got the recommendation from her and I really enjoyed the CD.I think I would like to hear more.

  • Mooney is the Real Deal
    author: Woody Russell

    John Mooney continues to stay the course of his own brand of funky "tunesmithing". Yet, he sounds fresh and particularly creative, rejuvinated if you will, on Big 'Ol Fiya. Why aren't we seeing JM on the cover of Living Blues? Hmmm... they'd better listen up. This man is one-of-a-kind. Mr. Mooney, you are certainly the real deal; a working musician who continues to deliver the goods year after year. A true bluesman and a genuine artist. An inspiration to listen to. Your voice is a testament to how the blues, or any form, should be sung - with style and passion. Your guitar work continues to be a voice of singularity in the blues; like that of Miles or Coltrane is to jazz. Thank you for delivering this fine recording. Any fan of the blues should already own this CD. I rest my case.

  • A Must Have
    author: Sarah from Georgia

    If you're a Mooney fan, don't even hesitate. Order it now! If you're not a Mooney fan, this cd will make you one.

  • Mooney delivers!
    author: D.E.

    John Mooney is finally back. Big Ol' Fiya has a very "live" feel to it. The CD is filled with great, new songs written by Mooney. Also the Son House song "Louise McGee" and Grayson Capps' "Poison" are future classics done Mooney-style. The last song is very "Dr.John-ish", a new sound from Mooney. Awesome!!!

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