Johnny “Wheels” Kennicott knows how to “live a song” and he’s attracted like-minded musicians to play as the Swamp Donkeys to abide by and expand on his vision. The spotlight shines brightest on Johnny Wheels, however, as the main focal point for the musical vision Wheels and his bandmates are pursuing. The production, however, maintains an even keel balance rather than practically tripping over themselves in an attempt to provide listeners with a fully immersive experience. Johnny Wheels, however, relaxes and leads the way toward the song’s inevitable center.
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It’s well worth the trip. The band’s new album Keep on Pushin’ features nine songs testifying to their ongoing relevancy in a world that has long since ignored their affinity for this particular style. “On the Run” shows them off as an unit that never sits in one place for long and remains fluent from beginning to end. It’s nearly perfectly conceived. Brandon Logan’s guitar contributions are especially tasty.
They aren’t afraid to venture out onto some interesting musical limbs, there’s ample evidence for that, but it isn’t any crime to say that the band’s core strength is the blues. “This Time” shows off that core strength in full for the first time on Keep on Pushin’ and an eye-popping harmonica solo from Johnny Wheels is something I’ve already re-listened to at least half a dozen times. No one in modern music is playing that venerable instrument with even half the passion and inventiveness that Wheels shows us here.
The piano popping up throughout “As Long as You’re There” gives this song a soulful edge that tempers its otherwise blues-soaked lineage. Wheels, likewise, delivers a thoughtful yet lively and emotional performance that complements the arrangement. Logan refrains from any of the big showy moments defining his other performances and focuses more on adding discreet color to an often spartan performance. The space the band leaves open in this track gives it an underrated power.
“The Fall” vies with the earlier “This Time” as the album’s most impassioned outing. Logan unleashes the full force of his guitar-playing creativity here and it invokes a cry from the heart while leaving you invigorated by the sheer joy of his playing. This is the sound of a man fully connected with his instrument and what he hears in his mind. “Mizz Karman” is a witty, intelligent blues riff rocker that features Logan’s guitar locking in with the organ early and riding that partnership for all it’s worth. The transitions from one passage to the next are fluid and seamless.
“Time to Bail (Keep on Pushin’)” will get much of its attention based on the duetting between Johnny Wheels and guest second vocalist LaRhonda Steele. The band, however, turns in an epic extended performance for this seven-plus minute track that never tests the listener’s patience and hints at their capabilities as a live unit more than any of the album’s predecessors. It’s a fitting climax for a band who lives, first and foremost, on the stage. Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys produced a real winner with Keep on Pushin’ and I think I’m going to go listen to it again from start to finish.
Mindy McCall
