Rob Johnson Maximum Seduction

Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass add plenty of spice to this Christmas jazz CD, not only with superb, fresh charts but a few surprising selections. The rich brass and reeds carry the deliberate rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which segues into a perky Latin-flavored chart of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." "Away in a Manger" is not the commonly heard melody but one first written in 1887, though the music will likely be familiar, even if one doesn't associate it with the well-known lyrics. The lush setting of "The Christmas Song," which likely set Mel Tormé and Bob Wells for life with royalty checks due to its many recordings, showcases the leader's valve trombone and pianist David Restivo. "My Favorite Things," originally written for The Sound of Music, has gradually been transformed into double duty as a Christmas carol; this swinging interpretation works very well. Johnny Mandel, the composer of many memorable melodies, deserves greater recognition for his gorgeous piece "A Christmas Love Song"; this arrangement deserved to help put it on the jazz map. Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass consistently delivered first-rate music throughout their existence, this holiday CD no exception.

“Catfish are synonymous with the Mississippi Delta, this is where the roots of what I play began…the Blues. The Church considered it Devil’s music, it was rebel in the making and spawned the greatest and most influential rebel Bluesman – Robert Johnson…he paid for it with his life…and his soul… This album is a combination of essential “Catfish”, lifelong influences, rebellion, humour, love, social conscience, baked slowly over the last 40 years. It’s not a Blues album by purist’s standards, but you will feel where it came from…“

Rob and his guitar have been treading the stages worldwide for the past 35 years. He has opened for the greats - Roy Buchanan, Stevie Ray Vaughan's mentor Lonnie Mack, Joe Walsh from the Eagles, shared stages with Peter Green, Sting, ZZ Top, Bo Diddley. He has represented Australia at the Royal Wedding celebrations of Prince Frederik & Princess Mary of Denmark, performed for FIFA World Cup Football in Kaiserslautern, played from maximum security prisons in Australia to Mozart's House in Vienna plus countless other experiences that have honed his skills. Rob is originally from Tasmania, Australia and goes under the pseudonym of "The Tasmanian Devil". His style is fiery, energetic, inventive and explosive.