John Ingrassia
37 year old John Ingrassia (Johnny I.) a CT native has been active on the blues scene for over sixteen years. John has mastered his shredding skills on the guitar during performances at clubs, theatres and festivals throughout the Northeast.
John’s music has been featured on radio stations throughout the US and overseas. This exposure has recently lead to Tommy Shannon being “ very impressed “ with his music. John recently completed the “Johnny I All Star Blues Revival” EP which features friends and guest musicians Jaimoe, Billy Cox, Bruce Katz, Tommy Shannon, Chris Layton and Reese Wynans, Glen Graham, Brad Smith of Blind Melon. This EP was mixed by legendary producer Jim Gaines.
This latest release has lead to shows with several legends in the industry including Johnny Winter, John Hammond, Chris Duarte, Coco Montoya, Tinsley Ellis, Devon Allman and many others. These performances were at top venues including Toads Place, Infinity Hall, Black Eyed Sallys, The Hungry Tiger and Bridge Street Live.
Here are reviews of Johnny I. All Star Blues Revival:
WDCB Chicago:
Johnny Ingrassia and company really swing on “Life Is Better (Second Time Around)” Johnny’s well-placed guitar licks rides the infectious groove provided by the star-studded supporting band (organist Reese Wynans, bassist Billy Cox, and drummer Chris Layton) he’s assembled for the occasion.
KKFI Kansas City:
Johnny I. sounds like a veteran blues master on this new two song E.P. Singer, songwriter and guitarist Johnny I. is an upcoming guitar slinger whose studying of his legendary band members technique and others over the years makes him fit right in, while his chops add the sizzle to make the tracks stand out. The first tune is a grooving blues number called “Life Is Better” with some really nice B-3 work by Reese Wynans, bass guitar from the legendary Band of Gypsys member Billy Cox, and the snappy drums of Chris Layton of SRV fame. On “Late Night” a burst of guitar from Johnny teases you out of the gate. The blues-rock song that rolls along with another short but searing guitar solo about a minute and a half in;the song includes Jaimoe from the ABB on the drums, Tommy Shannon (SRV, Johnny Winter) on bass, and Bruce Katz provides the B-3 work this round. “Late Night” fades with another guitar solo from Johnny that leaves the listener wanting more. The production is stellar and the guitar tone is truly wonderful. Great listening for now- while we wait for more from this rising star.
Recorded at Wire Recording Studios (Austin TX) Lost Oasis Studios (Austin TX) Avid Studios (Wallingford,CT) The Rock House (Franklin, TN) Mixed in TN. Engineers Doug Ferrara, Stuart Sullivan, Kevin Mckendree. Mixed by Jim Gaines.
