If you are looking for a little variety, and are up for some "party animal" type Blues based rock with hints of Country and Rockabilly live music, Thursday July 28, Blaine's Pub is the place to be. Johnny Chops and the Razors will take the stage at 8 p.m., and no doubt will put on one memorable show.
"I got the nickname 'Johnny Chops' in college because of my long sideburns, and it just kinda stuck all these years," said Johnny.
For people who recognize his name and face, Johnny said, "My main group is the Randy Rogers band where I play Bass. I have a little bit of time off, so in between playing with them, when I have time, I do a side project where I'm just kind of establishing myself doing my own writing. I'm not looking to quit my main job. I like playing with them, have for over 14 years now, and love those guys with all my heart; but it's good sometimes to just play some different music. I'm just kinda getting my stuff out there. I did a record about three years ago, which turned out to be a lot of fun, and right now, [I] am trying to finish writing for another album that will hopefully come out in the fall."
The Clash, Foo Fighters and some country artists are Johnny's main influences, yet, in his video "Shotgun," his sound and mannerisms eerily reflect a younger version of Neil Young. Laughing, but appreciative of the comparison of the two, he said, "I may have been subconsciously channeling him as I've always been a fan of his as well."
Johnny has several videos on YouTube, and one in particular is an old school favorite across generations. Impressively putting his own spin on the classic Blues tune by Muddy Waters, written by the great bass player and innovator of the Chicago sound, Willie Dixon, and covered by the band Foghat, here Johnny is Live from Nutty Brown Cafe singing "I Just Want to Make Love To You."
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As for his touring schedule, Johnny said, "I'm used to working Thursday through Sunday every week for the last 14 years. I've played Blaine's with the RRB years ago, but have never played there on my own, so I'm real excited to come back."
In regards to home and family life, Johnny and his wife have two Bassett Hounds, Reggie and Emmylou, which he refers to as his "little furry kids."
"They're really cute and smart," he said. "I wish they could travel with us, but they're pretty big and they like to sleep a lot."
For Thursday's show, Johnny included this message for fans: "Even though you may have never heard of us, come check us out. You'll be surprised with the amount of different types of music that we do. I've got some great players coming with me, and they'll (fans) definitely get a little bit of everything with the show."
On his merch table, Johnny will have his 2013 release of his first album as a solo artist, "Sticks & Stones," on CD as well as Vinyl Records, t-shirts, and koozies.
Johnny Chops and the Razors perform "Shotgun" live at the KOKEFM Free Texas Concert Series.
Johnny will also be performing with the Randy Rogers Band at the San Angelo River Fest on September 17. For pre-story information, click here.
For more information on Johnny Chops, check out his Facebook page and johnnychopsmusic.com. Also, for a schedule of upcoming events at Blaine's Pub, go to blainespub.com.
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