Johnny Rawls Live In Europe (CD)

(Continetal Heaven) 10 tracks (41:14) Digipac

Live in Europe is Rawl's 20th release. He chose one of the best backing bands in the world, The Özdemirs. A German trio of Turkish descent, consisting of Erkan on bass and his sons Kenan on guitar and Levent on drums. They were joined by Alberto Marsico from Italy, one of the most talented Hammond organ players.

Together they played a tour of Europe in March 2019. Since drummer Levent Özdemir is also an experienced sound engineer, the decision to record the shows was spontaneous. So you will hear a live concert, which took place in the famous Bischofsmühle in Hildesheim. To this album was added "Stormy Monday", which was recorded at a concert in Vejle, Denmark. The quintet also visited Heyman Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark to record the homage "I miss Otis Clay" in just one take. The result is this extraordinary soul blues album.

Johnny Rawls is a soul blues legend. In fact, the term "soul blues" was invented to describe his music. With a career of more than 50 years, he has done it all. He is an internationally acclaimed record artist, music producer and songwriter who has toured extensively in North America and overseas.

The Blues Music Awards, the Blues Blast Awards, the Living Blues Awards, and the W. C. Handy Awards have honored and nominated Johnny for several awards, including Soul Blues Album of the Year and Soul Blues Artist of the Year. Living Blues Magazine described him as a "soul blues renaissance man" when he was on the cover in 2002.