John Gomez - Head First

There is a new fan of John Gomez' music sitting here. I was completely surprised by the honesty and straight forwardness of John's music. This is Americana music that crosses some lines, some standards that some people may think should never be tampered with. That's fine because John Gomez has a vision of music and I see the light. This is straight forward roots music, the lyrics on the other hand are an American journey of the not so perfect. This ain't no music about drinking, leaving , and heartache. Although those subjects get their due here too , it's not all your grandma and grandpa's country music.

If you have a problem with hearing the raw unfettered emotion John puts into all his songs (with the addition of some choice curse words) you may want to steer clear of this one. "Head First" as a title for a CD couldn't be more fitting. John Gomez takes a look at life from the normal parameters of country music, and adds a twist that is heartfelt. The songs on the CD will take you from drug use, breaking the law, to the said "normal" side of country with the drinkin' , fightin', lovin' and leavin'. The thing is Gomez dares to touch on subjects not always embraced by country music while staying true to the roots musically.

The first time I heard "Head First", I thought "This guy must be nuts" for felling free to sing about what matters to him. That was my first impression, but just because it hasn't been done before, doesn't mean it's not right. John sings from the soul and may add a few choice "colorful" phrases, but I can see the whole picture now, John Gomez is being John Gomez. The music is so beautifully sculptured the rest fits just the way it is supposed to. You won't hear this on your local "Country" radio station, but that's because Nashville may not be ready for John Gomez yet . Rikks Revues is ready , and so to is his home of Fort Worth, and my congrats go out to Reload Record Company for having the guts to put this CD on the market. 

A pure conviction to style and substance makes "Head First" a very likeable and listenable album filled with story songs that take you on a journey through life. Life isn't always sweet, so neither are all the tunes here, but they are very good for the image Gomez is trying to portray. John Gomez is true also to the motto of Reload Record Company "If music ain't got an edge, it's dull". John Gomez does the lead vocals and guitar work on this project, but he is helped by some friends he has made along the way as well. Earl Musick plays guitar and helps in some songwriting, as well as co-producer. Darlina Musick - percussion , Gene Scott - pedal steel , Elanor Whitmore - violin and Alfons LeRoi - drums. Also helping is Mark Merritt who plays lead guitar, bass, keyboards, mandolin, and backing vocals as well as co-producer with Earl.

John lists some of his musical influences from the early stuff his mom and dad would play from The Beatles to the Eagles, all the way to some of his Texas heroes Robert Earl Keen , Jerry Jeff Walker and Steve Earle. If you are a true fan of country and dare to take a chance , you owe it to yourself to discover the alt-country stylings of John Gomez. A great beginning. 

   ( 5 Stars out of 6 )