BluesWax, January 2009 - by Richard Ludmerer, Contributing Editor
John Németh possesses a maturity far beyond his years. Németh is a great harp player and also a great singer. His emotive voice has enough range to reach those high falsetto notes and when he does he sounds painfully real. Németh is also a great songwriter and on Love Me Tonight, his second recording for Blind Pig, he gives us eleven new songs of which he has written ten.
Németh also has an ear for talent because having a new band might have set him back. On guitar (and keyboards) is Bobby Welsh; on drums is June Core, whose credits include Little Charlie and The Nightcats; and on bass is Dmitry Gorodetsky (formerly with Roomful of Blues) or Kedar Roy.
The album opens with the title track "Love Me Tonight." It is modeled after a familiar R&B riff. June Core's drumming holds it together while Welsh's guitar line and short solo are commanding. Németh's voice is in fine form. "Just Like You" is a well written song. "I'm a rebel baby, just like you," it's a catchy line and the background vocals work well. Welsh's slide solo kicks it up and Németh comes in on harp and carries this one home.
The highlights then begin to pile up. "Fuel For Your Fire" is destined to be a classic. Németh's vocals on this and on "Too Good To Be True" are perfect. Welsh's guitar on the latter almost jumps off the recording. The most soulful original on the album is when Németh sings "My Troubled Mind." "Where You Been" opens with Németh on chromatic harp while Gorodetsky excels on bass. "She's My Hearts Desire" and "Love Gone Crazy" are two more highlights; the later features Németh again on harp. Elvin Bishop guests on "Daughter of The Devil" while Németh sings through the harp mike. Bishop's guitar gives them a funkier sound. Bishop also plays guitar on "Country Boy."
The album closes with "Blues in My Heart." Németh literally sings his heart out while Welsh, Core, and Gorodetsky become the John Németh Band. John Németh is without a doubt one of the most exciting young talents to emerge in many years. This album adds to his legacy.
