Press

“... Johnny Never gives authenticity to the music that he has studied, performed and loved for so many years, so much so that he is the spiritual son of many names both famous and long forgotten. - ” - Jamey Riley - Jamey's House Of Music

Live Performance Review

"Some artists adopt a persona to use on stage to promote their music, But John Carleton AKA Johnny Never, has crawled into the skin of acoustic blues greats from the Piedmont to the Delta, and gives authenticity to the music that he has studied, performed and loved for so many years - so much so, that he is the spiritual son of many names both famous and long forgotten. His concerts with Philadelphia blues harp man John Colgan-Davis are redolent of Carey and Lurie or Sonny and Brownie, complete with the engaging backstories. All the old classics are performed with an easy elan, and their originals have a familiar and timeless ring. Catch these contemporary masters live if you can, you'll be glad you did."

 

- Jamey Reilly, Jamey's House of Music

Bio

Johnny is not a blues mimic. His music is refreshingly original, but so authentically captures the spirit and soul of the original acoustic blues greats like Son House, Robert Johnson, and Charlie Patton that he has been referred to as a "spiritual son" of the great bluesmen who first recorded the genre a century ago.  He has performed in blues and folk festivals, bars and music halls, from Memphis to New York. His original compositions possess the qualities of the genuine article delivered through deft finger-style guitar work and a voice that rings with authenticity.  

Johnny's work with harmonica player, John Colgan-Davis, (Dukes of Destiny, Bonnie Raiit) offers enthusiasts a duo reminiscent of Carey and Lurie, Sonny Terry and Brownie. McChee.   

His latest offering is being enjoyed all over the world on radio and internet broadcasts.

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CD Review

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"John Carleton, (aka Johnny Never), is probably the most refreshing thing I’ve heard this year.  A superb guitarist with a knowledge of vintage blues, Johnny hit the mark with tune after tune.  From straight-ahead covers that capture the sound and feel of the original recordings to wildly reimagined covers that manage to stay well within the realm of vintage blues, I was thoroughly impressed.  What was perhaps even more impressive were the eight original tunes that made up the bulk of the album.  They, too, had that flair and sophistication that is normally associated with vintage blues."  "This one gets my highest recommendation.  This one reminded me, in many respects, of Leon Redbone."

  – Bill Wilson   December 7, 2020

 

"Johnny's latest offering shows him as one of the fine Delta style blues players around today.  If you love your acoustic blues, definitely one for you to check out!"  

- Steve Hoare,  The Blues Lounge, Bradley Stroke Radio,UK December 15, 2020 

Press Photos

John and Johnny - (The Two Johns)

John and Johnny - (The Two Johns)

Blue Delta Video

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