Connor Ray
Music Set to Release New CD from Houston-Based Duo, Dry Johnson,
Long Live
Them Blues Vol. 1, On October 5
HOUSTON, TX – Connor Ray Music announces an October 5
release date for the debut CD from Houston-based duo, Dry Johnson, Long
Live Them Blues, Vol. 1.
Dry Johnson is comprised of
bassist Terry Dry and drummer Matthew Robert Johnson, who collectively have
formed the powerhouse rhythm section backing award-winning Texas guitarslinger
Mike Zito for almost two years. Zito returns the favor on Long Live Them
Blues, Vol. 1 by playing guitar and singing on several tracks of the
new disc. Zito also joins another Houston favorite, Annika Chambers, for a
soul-searing vocal duet on the lead-off song, “Daddy’s Got a Cadillac.”
Other special guests on the Dry
Johnson debut include legendary singer (and Connor Ray labelmate) Trudy Lynn,
guitarists John Del Toro Richardson, Mighty Orq and James Wilhite, harmonica
ace Steve Krase, and beloved Houston musician Kevin “Snit” Fitzpatrick on
vocals.
All of the songs on the new CD
are originals, with the exception of a nifty cover of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s
“Hit the Highway.”
“Getting this out has been a year and a half in the making,” admits
Matthew Robert Johnson.” Terry and I originally thought up the idea after a gig
with Mike Zito in a hotel room in Florida. We discussed the idea of doing a
project as a rhythm section, with all of the artists that we have either worked
with in the past, or would like to work with in the future...and Dry Johnson
was born. I can only hope that we have done this great city and its incredible
musical legacy some justice with this recording.”
“I met Matthew Robert Johnson and Terry Dry in St. Louis around 2002 when
I opened a show for Hadden Sayers,” writes Mike Zito in the album’s liner
notes. “I still remember thinking they sounded really good and had a big sound.
“Matt and Terry share a love for the American art form. The blues brought
them together and has given them a musical purpose to work toward. Matthew's
drumming is strong and immense, while Terry's bass playing is solid and
straight forward. Together they make a sound that is large and tight, round and
moving. Always musical and consistent, they work together to form a foundation
that any guitarist, vocalist or band can make great music with.
“When I was ready to put together a band based in Texas, my first choice
was to get Matthew and Terry and build on that big sound. They have delivered
in spades. Dry Johnson has stood the test of time. Rarely do musicians stay
together this long or continue to complement one another, but Dry Johnson
forges the Blues that brought them together. It was only a matter of time for
the duo to make their own album and showcase more of their talent. I am very
excited to have been included on this debut recording and I am proud to have
Dry Johnson backing me on stages all over the world.”
Terry Dry and Matthew Robert
Johnson met for the first time in Fargo, North Dakota in 1998 and played
together a few years later in Houston, Texas. They have continued playing music
together off and on for 20 years. Throughout that time, they have learned to
back many guitar players and singers on bandstands, festivals and recordings.
