On Friday night July 28th, 2006 I attended the social at The Pocono Blues Festival. For the very first time I saw Wanda Johnson. Wanda Johnson is a blues singer from South Carolina who just released her second album "Natural Resource". She sounds like a young Irma Thomas and with a relaxed stage presence she wooed the crowd of about 1000. Special thanks to promoter Michael Cloeren for bringing Wanda to The Pocono Blues Festival and to our attention.

Wanda Johnson has written five of the fourteen songs included, the other eight were written by producer/keyboard player Gary Erwin, who also goes by the nickname Shrimp City Slim. I'm enamored with Wanda's talent as there is not a weak track on the album. Other band members include Silent Eddie Phillips, guitar; Jerome Griffin, bass; Lamont Garner, drums; and Mike Mr Big Kincaid, tenor and baritone saxes.

Opening with "Natural Resource", the title track, Wanda sings about Ecology, but it is also about a re-awakening and I found the song to be uplifting in its spirit. Next comes the novelty tune "Hot Potato" which I understand is receiving airplay along with "Lovely on the Water" and "It's Good". "Mama's Recipe" is a sentimental folk styled ballad. "Heading North" written by Wanda is about escaping from a relationship. Wanda also authored the funky "Blue Ain't Nothin' But a Color".

Wanda Johnson's songwriting skills are further showcased on "Bath Water", "Time To Get Over You" and the gospel like "Just Tell Me". These are among the albums best tracks. Other highlights include "Drop in The Bucket", "It's So Nice to Have Someone", "Behind the Cloud" and "Enjoy The Ride". Wanda Johnson is a bright new star of the blues and destined to have a fabulous future. Please visit Wanda at wandaj.com

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com