 "Echoes of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny’s Asbury Jukes are scattered throughout 'Can't Stop Now' and garage-rock legend Gary U.S. Bonds offers his stamp of approval, dueting gracefully on “Every Note That I Play.” - Jay Lustig, The Star-Ledger |
 "Excitement and fun flow from every song. Arrangements and production are diverse featuring horns, keys and of course solid rock guitar chords. Right from the opening track 'When The Night...' the CD ignites with first-rate musicianship, feisty horns, smoldering guitar leads, a danceable beat and expressive vocals." - Laura Turner Lynch, kweevak.com |
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Can’t Stop Now, the new CD release from JoBonanno & The Godsons, was recorded during the winter and spring of 2008-2009 at LakeHouse Music in Asbury Park, NJ. The project was produced by Jon Leidersdorff, and engineered and mixed by Rob Lebret. The album marks a maturity in songwriting over the group’s 2003 release Turn Up the Heat (a true party record) as well as the precision of ensemble execution that results from playing hundred of gigs all across the state of New Jersey for many years. The record boasts a diversity of styles while at the same time exhibiting a cohesive sound throughout. “Americana” is a term that comes to mind when trying to convey the varied influences that are exposed in this 12-song set. Country, Cajun, 60’s Pop, Gospel, Ballads and Rockers all make their appearances in this 50-minute listening experience. |
Bandleader
JoBonanno’s personality jumps out of the speakers whether he’s
s**t-kicking in “Don’t Ya Close This Bar Down”, crooning “One Kiss Led To
Another” or howling his way through “You Bring The Beast Out In Me”. The
rhythm section of Leidersdorff on drums and bassist Ed Horne
lay down a solid foundation, while multi-keyboardist Bruce Marson
provides the flavor and Dennis Miele’s guitars add the necessary
spice to this Rock & Soul stew. Lou Felipe is the final piece of
the puzzle providing strong backing vocals, percussion and a wailing harp
that fuels “The Doctor Is In”. Newest bandmember Bob Nelson
adds sweet backing vocals to the mix. Rock n’ Roll legend Gary U.S.
Bonds adds his distinctive vocal style to the R&B-flavored “Every Note
I Play” (which songwriter Dave Gonos colors with his tenor sax). The
Soul Cruisers Horns (Screamin’ Steve Barlotta; sax, Steve Hyde; trumpet ;
and Pete Mauer; trombone) are also a prominent addition to three of
the tracks. Can’t Stop Now is solid Rock n’ Roll entertainment from
a solid Rock n’ Roll band.