Josh Christina – “Friend Zone” from the “Instincts” album
Baltimore-based rockabilly artist, Josh Christina, was proudly raised by Jim and Patti Christina with a strong belief in God, Country and work ethic. He inherited his musical chops from his biological father (a drummer), his mother (Baltimore-area singer Patti Christina), and his grandmother, who was a big band singer in the ’40’s and ’50’s. Josh has spent the past 15 years honing his sound – a combination of the country, classic rock, blues and rockabilly he was raised on. Josh has already collaborated with Nashville-based producer Kent Wells (Dolly Parton), who worked with Christina on his sophomore effort, “Good Old Love”.
Josh’s new album entitled “Instincts” was recorded in Memphis at the historic Sam Phillips Recording, and co-produced with two-time Grammy award winner Jon Carroll. Listen to this album and you’ll hear tunes that make you think of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent or other legendary roots rockers.
If you’re a fan of 1950’s rock n’ roll this new music will restore your confidence in the ability of youngsters to carry on a great tradition of rock’s pioneers. Josh Christina writes his own music, refurbishes the classics, and plays a mean piano. Also, if you get a chance to see Josh and his band live, they create some real great excitement with their audience.
On “Instincts” all the cuts are good, there are no clunkers or fillers. Here Josh and the band lock in on a forceful, creatively motivated and sonically ambitious attack. Tracks like the opening rocker “Friend Zone” and the mid-to-quick tempo piano-driven “Counting Sheep” explode out of the speakers with newfound confidence.
The bluesy love ballad “Letters”, builds from a sparse beginning to a fully layered conclusion. “Spic and Span” seeks to secure Josh’s place as rock n’ roll’s foremost revivalist, as does the infectious “Blasted in the Basement”.
This being a bona fide, dyed-in-the-wool, Josh Christina rock n’ roll record, as tends to happen when listening to his music, you’ll be hard pressed to keep your toes from tapping. But there are also many slow and soulful moments, as can be heard on “Love Is Funny” and the beautiful title track, “Instincts”.
It’s a testament to Josh’s talents that he can continue to be influenced by the past without ever sinking into parody. Instead, he keeps growing and reaching into new, uncharted territory. Josh Christina music provides a bridge across generational lines by going backward to move into the future.
And just to confirm how he got from the past into the future, Josh closes the album down with a rampant medley that includes: “Hound Dog”, “Long Tall Sally”, “Johnny Be Good” and a “Whole Lotta Shakin”. With each new release, Josh Christina seems to be pushing himself to the ranks of the greats, getting better and more interesting as he moves forward.
He stretches his range of vocal stylings and reaches for more notes on his piano. Josh’s natural charisma comes through on each song, whether it’s a driving rocker or a slow soulful groove. This album confirms his determination to create a rollicking and robust musical experience that draws immediate attention from the get-go.
