Throughout the years John Mooney has developed one
of the most distinctive and easily identifiable
guitar and vocal signatures of anyone alive today.
Part of the original impetus for his interest in
music may have filtered down from his grandfather, a
musician himself. “He used to play the mandolin and
banjo back in the 20’s” says Mooney. “He even cut a
couple of 78’s for the Peerless label that I’ve
heard. It was really hot stuff, a kind of raggy
jazz.“
John left home at 15 and began playing with Joe
Beard at about that same time. Joe introduced him to
the first and most enduring influence on the
development of Mooney’s music, the legendary Delta
blues singer, Ed “Son” House. Impressed by the 16
year old musician’s talent, Son and John soon became
friends. “I wasn’t aware of what the opportunity
meant, but I knew there was nobody better in Delta
blues.“ Mooney cites Son’s heavily rhythmic style
having a strong influence on him. In fact, the way
Mooney adapts acoustic playing to a modern electric
format is one of his most distinctive trademarks.
In 1976 John moved to New Orleans and immersed
himself in that city’s vibrant music scene. John
regularly played with the likes of Earl King, The
Meters, Snooks Eaglin, and the man who was to
influence his music greatly, the father of New
Orleans piano, Professor Longhair. He was playing
regularly in front of New Orleans drummers like
Zigaboo Modeliste, John Vidacovich, and Herman
Ernest. At this place in time John successfully
combined the sounds of the delta with the syncopated
rhythms of the Crescent City to create the style
that has become uniquely his own Since 1981 he has
been touring with his group, the Bluesiana Band,
performing throughout the U.S., Canada, Panama,
Europe, Australia, and Japan. Current Bluesiana band
mates include long time band member Jeff Sarli on
bass. Jeff may be best known for playing on the
Rolling Stones “Bridges to Babylon” album and for
sharing the stage with the likes of Keith Richards,
Levon Helm, and the Band. Other Bluesiana members
include the legendary Professor Longhair band mate
Alfred “Uganda” Roberts on congas & percussion and
renowned New Orleans drummer Carlo Nuccio perhaps
best known for his work with Emmylou Harris and Tori
Amos. Over the years John and his band have earned a
musical reputation that have gained them invitations
to play at numerous folk, jazz, and blues festivals
across the globe, including the Montreaux Jazz
Festival, the Newport Folk Festival, the Chicago
Blues Festival, and a yearly appearance at New
Orleans’ world renowned Jazz & Heritage Festival. In
2000 Mooney released “Gone to Hell,” with special
guest Dr. John adding some extra spice. The critics
welcomed this comeback with open arms and high
praise. Blues Access called the album “a seductive
musical cocktail that leaves you deliriously drunk
with pleasure every time.“ Blues Revue wrote, ”‘Gone
to Hell’ bumps, grinds, and simmers with the
emotional intensity of a musician who plays directly
from his soul to yours.“
His newest disc, “Big Ol’ Fiya” with special guest
Jon Cleary has been a long time coming but Mooney
has brought some profound musical styles and
songwriting to his signature syncopated delta blues
sound. If there was ever a Mooney CD to own, this
one is truly it. By far his most heartfelt,
intimate, soulful and incredibly intricate vocals,
this is a John Mooney album that is simply like none
other
