Oliver Wood, guitar & vocals
Chris Long, bass & vocals
Greg Baba, drums
Chris Uhler, percussion
Marcus Henderson, woodwinds
Adam Mewherter, brasswinds
Influences
King Johnson has shared the stage with the Meters, Tinsley Ellis, Toni Price, Derek Trucks, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Government Mule, Col. Bruce Hampton (Ret.), Blueground Undergrass, Jimmy Vaughan, Bernie Worrell, Delbert McClinton, Chubby Carrier, Johnny Winter, Francine Reed, Medeski Martin & Wood, Dr. John, Tommy Malone, Merl Saunders, Carl Weathersby, Mofro, Mothers Finest, Doogie Phi, Morris Day & The Time and Delta Moon.
Sounds Like
"Adult Contemporary Roots Rock Blues Jazz Funk"
Production notes: Live '05 was recorded live at the Double Door Inn (Charlotte, NC) and at the Blue Ridge BBQ Fest (Tryon, NC) by Archie Lisco of Hoy Dog Productions and also at Neverland Farms (Cleveland, GA) by Dynasonic. Mixed by Marty Kearns at Down in Deep Studios. Mastered by Rodney Mills, Masterhouse. Cover Painting by Chris Long. CD design and layout by Richard Kiggins.
Prior recordings:
Hot Fish Laundry Mat in 2003
Luck So Strange in 2000
King Johnson in 1998
Cats & Dogs in 1995
Press
"As the members of King Johnson gather in the upstairs lounge at the Double Door, I am amazed at their individual normalcy. Their music is a delightful collage of roots music styles that immediately brings to mind seminal artists like Dr. John and Taj Mahal, two of the most colorful individuals on earth. By this token, the combination of the members is definitely what drives the band and creates the wonderful music they play. In contrast to almost every band I have met, the bassist is the most outspoken one. The only member with musical family that influenced them is the guitarist, whose brother plays bass for the jazz trio Medeski, Martin, and Wood. There is nonstop competetive ribbing between the band members who zap one-liners at each other for the entire interview. They ask me just as many questions as I ask them. In the confines of the graffiti-covered walls, it feels like the world's weirdest fraternity meeting" —Bryan Rodgers, Hittin' the Note Magazine
"Their creative springs are as sweet and clear as mid-60s James Brown, early Allman Brothers and the Meters all flowing from a blues bedrock" —Houston Press
"Sweat inducing blues funk throwdown" —TV Guide
"Heady mix of Crescent City funk, gritty jazz and percolating boogie" —Tallahassee Democrat
"...a study in musical diversity" —Savannah Morning News
All Music Guide: "Atlanta blues rock outfit King Johnson was formed by singer/guitarist Oliver Wood (brother of bassist Chris Wood of Medeski, Martin & Wood fame), bassist/songwriter Chris Long and drummer Greg Baba; trombonist Adam Mewherter and saxophonist John Longo were added prior to sessions for the band's 1996 debut album, Cats & Dogs. Saxophonist Marcus James Henderson replaced Longo for the follow-up, a self-titled 1998 effort."
With five CDs (Cats & Dogs, the self-titled King Johnson, Luck So Strange, Hot Fish Laundry Mat and the new, completely live effort, Live '05) and with many miles logged in the US and abroad, King Johnson is touring less and focusing on new collaborations, notably Oliver with his brother Chris Wood, The Wood Brothers. Greg and Chris recently performed at the Variety Playhouse with Atlanta's own Delta Moon. Chris Uhler has been busy with Burnt Bacon and Marcus is the newest member of Southern rock legend Marshall Tucker while Adam continues to contemplate many portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. KJ's organic mix of New Orleans funk, blues, jazz, latin and rock styles make for a unique sound often hard to categorize. Crowds of all ages love their butt-shakin' grooves, catchy songs and extended improvisations. Voted Atlanta's best band in the "blues" category for half of a decade, King Johnson is praised by the Creative Loafing Magazine for "incorporating hook-heavy writing and facile playing with New Orleans brass funk and jazz." It's swampy, greasy, jazzy, spontaneous, loose and tight all at the same time.
Here is video of Oliver Wood and Chris Uhler, playing with Jon Liebman this morning on Altanta & Company. They were promoting the Sean Costello Memorial Fund for Bipolar Research concert that is taking place this Sunday, March 1st (www. seancostellofund. org/benefit-concerts. html). I hope to see all of you King Johnson fans at the show!!!
Good to find you guys on here. I remember you at the Brandy House when I was playing with Howard Shaft. Maybe we will get a chance to play again at the same venue one day.
AHHHH! I love that picture of Chris! It's been so long since I've seen him! I used to work with you at Brookhaven Mellow. It's me Beth! Still booking acts up in Dahlonega let me know when any of you guys want to come out and play! That picture made me miss you so much! Hope all is well, drop me a line and let me know how things are. Beth
