Johnny Rawls is one of the solid performers local blues fans can look forward to seeing at the Pocono Blues Festival this summer. The man is a pro who can write, sing and play the strings. This CD leans more toward the soulful side, but it is an excellent blend of deft guitar, tight horns and masterful vocals. It’s a finely crafted series of songs about love — all of which were written by Rawls. Right from the get-go, on “Bad Reputation,” the Nutmeg Horns are in full gear while Rawls plays some sweet solo lines. “Back In Your Arms” is a foot-tappin’, head bobbin’ blues ditty that fully showcases Rawls’ talents. “I Been Lookin’” is another love song with effortless vocals and guitar that celebrates a successful search for love. “Can’t Stop Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” has Rawls’ plaintive vocals conjuring up feelings of emptiness and loneliness, expertly rounded by the soft organ accompaniment by Roosevelt Purifoy. The fine organ play continues in “Nobody’s Gonna Take Your Place, “ a tribute to love in which Rawls notes, “I like to look, but I don’t touch. I stay by your side because I love you so much.” Another highlight is “I Been Broken Hearted,” a collective of smooth vocals and top-shelf production values. This is not a pure blues CD. As Rawls himself notes, “my style is between gospel, blues and good, hard soul music.” This effort is all of that in the hands of a pro.

Lehigh Valley Blues Network