CD REVIEW: DOWN IN FLAMES by JOHNNY HUNKINS

DOWN IN FLAMES by Johnny Hunkins
(Grooveyard Records)

California based Blues rock guitarist, Johnny Hunkins is back with his smoking sophomore release, 'Down In Flames'. For those new to this amazing guitarist, Johnny Hunkins plays a mean blues-rock guitar in the style of Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn,  and Gary Moore .  'Down In Flames' is blues based, straying into rock and even a couple of laid back numbers. The album also features special guests: Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent/Whitford St. Holmes) & Jarrod England (Rufus Huff/Black Mountain Prophet) on vocals, Chris Duarte on guitar, Dirty Dave Osti on guitar & vocals, Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/The Firm/Whitesnake) on bass and Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul) on drums. Quite simply, this is an outstanding sophomore effort from Mr. Hunkins. There are no real surprises here, just premium quality blues rock guitar and an excellent supporting cast on all tracks. All songs are up tempo and each moves from track to track rather seamlessly. Whether your taste runs more to the gritty power guitar of tracks a like, "Down In Flames', "Rings Of Saturn" featuring, Derek St. Holmes or to the smooth laid back swagger of songs like, "You Give Love" or "Dresden Burning" there is something here for everyone. There is a quality to the music that makes this CD a personal favorite and a definite must have for any blues/rock fan. The bottom line: 'Down In Flames' is a very solid and well produced recording - with not one "fwd" worthy track on it. On the other hand, it has many which would dutifully warrant a "repeat" button. If you are curious about who Johnny Hunkins is and what his music is about, then this is a worthy starting point. - Highly recommended.
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine