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. After the loss of long time friend and band member Jeff Sarli, Mooney has called upon Rene Coman of the Iguanas for Bluesiana Bass rhythms and renowned New Orleans drummer Kevin O'Day to keep the beat. 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.
John, we miss you here at the other side of NOLA !! Whats up ?? Plans for Europe?? I think I have to arrange a little tour like some years ago :) BLUESIANA is waiting!!!! Meanwhile I send you greetings from Velden and all my Love
Rock the Kasbah. That Puerto Vallarta gig sounds like an interesting adventure! Always up for one of those * I'm Mad........ goin' out of my mind * Take care man. Doug
It would really be great to have a chance to welcome you to France because we miss you John and your great gumbo of Delrta Blues and New Orleans grooves ! Please come and visit us !
Those tagged shots are a trip! lookin good there! I missed ya this time round & I'm so disappointed coz i was really looking forward to having a time.....been sick & broke to boot .don't know what's worse..On the mend..& will catch ya next time... I think it might actually be cheaper to fly..
Big Hugs..I love ya John .always have, always will..You always made me smile
Lynwood Slim Steve Grossman Raffello Simeoni Texas Slim Commander Cody La Balluche de la Saugrenue Tom Russell Pisorno Jazztet Nick Harper Solorazaf Lonely Drifter Karen Joe Ely Band The Blues Evolution Riccardo Marasco Athena Tergis & Willos Filippo Gambetta Trio Unavantaluna Piccola Orchestra La Viola Jono Manson with Max Larocca & Andrea Parodi Pietro Cirillo e Tarumba Krama Ensemble I Violini di Santa Vittoria
23 Concerti ad ingresso gratuito dal 19 Luglio al 19 Agosto in 20 Comuni della Provincia di Pisa VI° Edizione del Concorso Fotografico "FOTOGRAFANDO LA MUSICA" Non mancare al decennale del MUSICASTRADA FESTIVAL!!!
Take a mid summer night, a red Tuscan sunset, perfumes in the air and a lot of good music. What else? Oh yes: Musicastrada Festival! From the 19th of July till the 19th of August, music from the world, and some Italian exclusive. And if you love taking pictures, don’t loose the wonderful occasion to take part to the competition that’s close tied to the festival and the music: check for details on the website and send your photos! All that you have to do is go to www.musicastrada.it and follow the links... Stay tuned, Musicastrada is on! www.musicastrada.it
HEY yeah will be drivin' into Roch. for the big Rib Fest!! You BETTER come down -n- say HELLO...or I'll jest have ta come up-n- say HELLO for ya...Don't make me cry home again! Big hugs to ya while you're ~Questing for Adventure~
