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MUSIC SCENE: Tour for new disc brings John Calvin Abney to White Water Tavern

Artist J. Chris Johnson inspired by musician John Calvin Abney’s new album Doug Hill / For The Transcript Oklahoma red dirt musician John Calvin Abney shared his new LP with Norman artist J. Chris Johnson long before its official September 27 release. The pair are friends and both are rooted in the music and arts scenes here. Abney has resided here at times during his career that’s involved intensive touring for over a decade. Johnson is raising a family in Norman and paints in a northwest side studio. His spouse Marissa is a noted Norman music scene photographer. When Johnson...

John Calvin Abney “Safe Passage” (Black Mesa Records, 2019) First impressions count, and the stylish but relaxed artistic photos on this album cover speak volumes before any songs are even heard. The first track ‘I Just Want to Feel Good’ does just what it says on the tin. Its bright and sparkly intro setting the scene for this ‘Maybe Happy’ album of ten original songs from Abney, which showcase his vast musical ability. On the whole, this is a great album. The Sprinsteenesque harmonica and awesome beat in ‘When The Dark Winds Blow’ give it superb aplomb and make it a truly...

Hear Ya – John Calvin Abney – Safe Passage (album review) John Calvin Abney is one of the finest guitarists you’ve probably heard on a record but had no idea he existed. He has played with countless artists over the years and it was supporting that John Moreland when I was left slack-jawed at his playing. For his solo stuff, you’d half expect to just bury you under a mountain of guitar mastery. For his solo stuff, he has opted for folksy Americana that is contemplative as opposed to flashy. Safe Passage, the follow up to 2018’s Coyote, came out...