Jay Johnson is a true Texas performer. He draws on experience and influence to deliver his songs in an all-out entertaining manner. As a solo performer, Johnson can work a crowd and with his band, he can work them into a frenzy. Johnson’s 2004 release is a nouveau-retro feeling disc, blending classic sounds with innovative delivery. From the opening “Lost In The City,” Johnson sets the tone of the album. You’ll hear tunes that give you that nostalgic ‘groovy’ feeling and there are tunes that display Johnson’s Americana roots, such as the perfectly complex “Josephine.” The disc is full of surprises, like Mark Lafon’s monster guitar on the ‘hey-look-at-me’ tune “Gitsumonya” which is reminiscent of the classic preambles made famous by greats like Tom Scholz. (Boston) There are clearly two highlights of the album, first is Johnson’s maturation as a songwriter. He pushes the edge of every influence within him and delivers each composition flawlessly. Second is Mark Lafon’s performance on the album. Award nominations for this album will be no surprise at all. Jay also offers his two earlier discs here, his 1999 release “IMAGES” and his sophomore project “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS.” The latter is a band project that allows Johnson to shine with his cohorts and fellow songwriters, Dan Shinedling and Chris Whitney. Country music fans tend to like certain diversities in their Texas artists and they are here. A folk influence allows Johnson to deliver crisp vocals on songs that have an almost alt-rock feel. This makes for a fabulous new sound in Texas music. When the Jay Johnson Band needs to be country, they can deliver in a big way. Honky-tonks everywhere will be hootin’ and hollerin’ to Johnson’s crowd faves such as “Pitcher Song.” To be a true fan, you’ll need all three discs. Get ‘em today for only $13.99 each!