“America’s Got Talent” and “Britain’s Got Talent” are shows that give ordinary people in the world a rare chance at stardom. Many stars have been born from shows like these such as Susan Boyle Kevin Skinner and Paul Potts.
One band in particular Jonny Come Lately is starting to come to light as a group that needs to be watched since they are turning heads everywhere they go.
Leading the band with guitar and vocals is Izzy Loya. Adrian Johnson plays the guitar and harmonica as well as performing background vocals. Angela Ross is the lone female in the band and rocks out on the drums and background vocals. Julian Johnson plays the upright bass for the band and has the unique skill of playing with his bare feet. Defining themselves as rockabilly/ska/blues they gather influences from a variety of genres and eras spanning from Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly to the Beatles the Ramones and Dean Martin.
The group formed in the spring of 2006 and in the summer of 2007 (when the members were just 15 years old) they appeared on “America’s Got Talent.” After performing Presley’s “Hound Dog” and receiving rave reviews from all three judges Jonny Come Lately went on to advance all the way to the top 20.
They recently debuted with a self-titled album that displays their passion for music through their retro-style and natural talent. “One Night Baby” starts to get people on their feet with its bouncy bass-line while “Oh My Blues” is a slower track that gives a true southern-bluesy feel. The track titled “Gyspy” mixes the slow old-school with some modern upbeat influences showcasing Johnson’s solo bass skills. “Runnin’ With Tonight” is a true Elvis-esque track that reminds people of that good ol’ Memphis feel.
Amid the masses of melodramatic Dashboard Confessionals and sugary-sweet Miley Cyruses Jonny Come Lately gains points for lyrics and beats that take people back to a different age. Instead of centering around the party that is the U.S.A. “Drifitin’ Blues (live)” harkens to the talents and influences of the great B.B. King.
The band’s next show is on Tuesday Nov. 8 at the Upland Arts and Music Festival in Upland Calif. More information about the band is available on their Web site at jonnycomelately.com.
