Johnny Max Band

Johnny Max Band

Johnny Max Band is a Canadian blues group led by singer Johnny Max. The line-up associated with the act includes Vince Maccarone and Jim Casson on drums, Wayne Deadder and Uli Bohnet on bass, John Findlay, Dylan Wickens, Jesse O'Brien, Martin Alex Aucoin and Peter Nunn on keyboards, Howard Moore on trumpet, and Ed Zankowski on saxophone.

Style and performance

The band’s music draws on blues alongside Stax/Volt, Atlantic, funk and Southern soul influences. Its material is described as moving beyond conventional 12-bar blues forms, with a focus on strong songs, groove and audience participation. Johnny Max is also known for using humour on stage, while keeping the music central to the performance.

Recordings and recognition

Johnny Max first establishes his name through his first three releases in the blues idiom. His fourth release, A Lesson I’ve Learned, receives a Juno nomination and marks a shift towards a sound rooted more in Southern soul than straight blues. Another album, It’s A Long Road, continues in that direction with a mix of gumbo R&B, rock ’n’ roll-influenced soul, boogie and Tom Waits-like tonal colours.

Other work

Alongside performing, Johnny Max hosts the radio show Sunday Morning Soul on The HAZE FM in Canada and co-programmes the CNE Bandshell BluesFest with Rico Ferrara.