FIRE received glowing reviews and sold around the world when it was first released in 2000. Every song on the album received airplay in nine countries (including some “number ones” in Australia and Germany).
FIRE cooks up “a musical stew of obsessions”—Brit-pop, gospel, funk, hip-hop, jazz, Latin rock, 80s new wave, reggae, techno and vocal groups from the 50s and 60s.
The late Davy Jones (The Monkees) appeared on 3 tracks. Samples of a Jones/Monkees song, “Oh What a Night,” were looped into “A Little Industrial Nachtmusik,” an instrumental showcasing the electronics wizardry of John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Ministry). “Nachtmusik” was recorded at a “hideaway studio in the middle of Amish country,” mused Blair. “John and I are both Kraftwerk fans. I did a Mellotron flute solo. He brought in gigantic synthesizers and gave it breadth. We wanted to make an imaginary theme for a sci-fi cop movie. If there’s ever a ‘Blade Runner 2,’ this should be in it.”
Wayne Avers and Sandy Gennaro–both alumni from Monkees touring bands–appear on “Throw the First Stone,” a “psychedelic soul suite” blending prog-rock experimentation with Talking Heads-style funk. “People Medley” features legendary drummer Jab’O Starks… more
Released: September 13, 2021
Johnny J. Blair with Davy Jones (Monkees), John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Ministry), Jab’O Starks (James Brown), Wayne Avers (Monkees, Todd Rundgren), Sandy Gennaro (Monkees, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett), Erik Nielsen (Pointer Sisters), Tim Breon (Martha Reeves, Olivia Newton-John), Lady A, Monette Newsuan, Dan Reilly, and other notables.
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