Long Live the Man in Black
CD / Album Review of The Ballad of Johnny and June
Recorded By The Mighty Cash cats
Produced by Michael J. Smith
The Mighty Cash Cats are:
- Michael J. Smith - Lead Vocals / Guitar
- Leticia Blumette - Lead and Backing Vocals / Bass
- Oliver Thin - Guitar and Backing Vocals
- Larry Anderson - Drums
- Jimmy Calire – Piano and Hammond B3 Organ
Album Review by Joseph Timmons – Xombiewoof Magazine
From the moment he stepped out on stage, dressed all in black and in his god given subtle yet ominous voice, he would start every show with “Hello, I'm Johnny Cash”, the living legend inspired and elevated the music world and made a path into immortality not just for himself, but all that would follow in his footsteps. Cash was a musician that many tried to imitate, and often failed to do so, a one of a kind with an elegance in style and stature that was truly one of a kind. There was and would be nobody that could give a performance that would come close to the great one.
Until Now !
The Mighty Cash Cats are not a tribute band, they don’t claim to be a reincarnation or put on airs. Like the man himself, The Mighty Cash cats are the real deal, performing his music and the music of his day with a sincere realism and love for the memory of Johnny Cash and his beloved June. In this group the sights and sounds are channeled, one would get the feeling that they have ben whisked away back to the time when muscle cars were king, a soda pop was a dime and the poodle skirt was all the fashion.
Fronted by Michael J. Smith as Johnny Cash and Leticia Blumette as June Carter, they emulate the grace and love for both the music and the life of Johnny Cash, and in this album The Ballad of Johnny and June, they have selected works that follow a progression most awe inspiring. I am especially fond of their renditions of “it Ain’t Me Babe”, “Ghost Riders In The Sky”, “Hurt” and “Ring of Fire”. I would like to say though, the title track “The Ballad of Johnny and June” as a fun and jaunty hayride, telling the story of Cash’s start, Sun Records, His Love for June and his accomplishments.
The Mighty Cash Cats are phenomenal in their humble and honest portrayals, and where as Michael J. Smith and Leticia Blumette don’t appear or sound like they are trying to imitate the original Romeo and Juliette of Nashville, they are as real and humble to the stage as the soul mates they emulate.
I suggest you get this album, if you love the Music of Johnny Cash, you will love The Mighty Cash Cats, visit their website http://www.mightycashcats.com and their Facebook Page for more info, tour dates and where to get their new CD The Ballad of Johnny and June.