Joe Fornothin

During a 2006 interview with Westword, blues legend Buddy Guy praised John Mayer for introducing his favorite genre to today's listeners. Strange as it might seem, he's got a point — but the problem is, newer blues-inspired acts often wind up sounding more like Mayer than Guy. Which isn't to...

By Michael Roberts

August 23, 2007

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During a 2006 interview with Westword, blues legend Buddy Guy praised John Mayer for introducing his favorite genre to today's listeners. Strange as it might seem, he's got a point — but the problem is, newer blues-inspired acts often wind up sounding more like Mayer than Guy.

Which isn't to say that Joe Fornothin's self-titled EP resembles a 21-minute version of "Your Body Is a Wonderland." With the exception of the sensitivity showcase "Happily Ever After," the four-piece is infinitely more boogie-oriented than Mayer, cranking out the kind of good-time blues rock that crosses over to jam connoisseurs. Fans of the style will also appreciate frontman Tyler Bills's sturdy voice, which keeps the likes of "Rockin' Days" and "Best That's Ever Been" moving forward. Still, the air of hard-won experience that marks the best blues is entirely absent. The fingers fly and the beats slam without leaving anything resembling a permanent mark.

That's the flaw in the Buddy plan.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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