Given they amount to little more than a few grams of aluminum and plastic, it’s astonishing just how much personality certain CD’s contain.   Case in point, “A Lesson I’ve Learned,” the fourth effort from a newly-revamped Johnny Max Band.

Max, a veteran who’s kicked around Toronto’s club scene for years, delivers a passionate mix of blues and soul that virtually defines what a great bar band should sound like.  From the open salvo of “Down In History,” a rollicking romp that borrows from the Delbert McClinton school of roadhouse R&B, to the funked-up final notes of “Why I Sing The Blues,” one of only two covers here, Max and company stomp through a set that fairly bursts with energy, enthusiasm, and personality aplenty. 

Keyboard master Martin Aucoin accounts for the bulk of the songwriting (with help on most from co-writer John  McAneney, aka Mr. Max himself).  Influences are obvious on occasion, but that’s all part of the fun – the song structures may be familiar, but Max and company put their individual stamp on every note here.  Tunes range from the jaunty party groove of “We’re Gonna Do It (All Night Long)” to the wry and resigned wisdom of “(You’re) A Lesson I’ve Learned.”  “Banks Of The Credit” proves the mud in the Mississauga Delta oozes just as much funk as that of the Mississippi, while “Greezin’” is a breezy instrumental that provides a bit of mid-set-mellow before the energy level gets cranked up again with the pure rock ‘n’ roll of “Jack And Jill”.  The boys do a bang-up job on Don Covay’s “Have Mercy”, and tackle the irresistibly catchy “Big Ol’ Girls Need Some Lovin’ Too” with tongue firmly in cheek. 

Production is stellar, the sound clean and crisp yet retaining an organic feel that hints at largely live-in-the-studio performances.  Max delivers his lines with gruff, blue-eyed soul and Aucoin, whether on B3, Wurlitzer, or piano, is nothing short of brilliant throughout.  Guitarist Teddy Leonard is equally adept at stinging rhythmic stabs and clean, uncluttered leads, and the rhythm section of drummer Duncan McBain and bassist Garth Vogan provide a rock-solid foundation built on obviously intuitive interplay.  

If slick and commercial is your bag you’d do better elsewhere.  But if you like your music with high spirits, sweaty honesty, and lots of personality – the kind where you can actually hear real people having fun making music together – this disc is an absolute gem.

Highly recommended!