John M. Greenberg “OLD BLUE SUIT” ©2006 Home Grown Music HGO9650 Independently Released Review by Lucky Boyd John M. Greenberg is an award winning producer (2006 TMA Producer of the Year) with a great deal of performing talent. Greenberg is an excellent songwriter and his performances are passion-filled and entertaining. The 2006 release is the first for Greenberg in some time and he has managed to surround himself with some of the best in the business. On the production side, the album is engineered by Stephen Meyer of Lodge Studios in Marble Falls. (2006 TMA Musical Event of the Year recipient) One cut is engineered by Larry Nye, a two-time TMA nominee and co-writer of the 2006 TMA Record of the Year. Pickers include TMA award winners Mike Blakely and John Arthur Martinez as well as Texas greats like Walt Wilkins on vocals on “The Leavin’ In Your Eyes” and Noel McKay on vocals on “Last Of The Rain.” Greenberg’s easy delivery is reminiscent of Paul Simon’s creative years. The instrumentation is phenomenal and comfortable as you become relaxed and enchanted by Greenberg’s best album to date. This is one of those ‘leave it in the player’ discs. Enjoy! Other Notes: Johnny Gringo is the band, and John Greenberg is the backbone of this foursome from Marble Falls, Texas. Intricate folk progressions work their way in to a few of the songs from this great Texas writer, but for the most part, it’s Texas country all the way. Greenberg’s use of bridges could be a songwriter’s clinic on their own. He ties his lyrics together beautifully in a way that we all could learn from. The vocal work on Johnny Gringo’s “RED RIVER BLUES” is exceptional. There’s a host of pickers on the album, but the core ‘gringos’ are Greenberg, Bob Brown, Roland Denney, and Jody Thomas. Fellow MTM member Mike Blakely appears on the album as well. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. It’s true Texas music with a Hill Country attitude. Also check out the other great titles from John M. Greenberg and get them while supplies last!