As blues lore goes, many a blues man was born with the blues. However, few can testify to that, and one of those few is blues man John D'Amato. You see, due to a congenital heart defect which caused a lack of breath at birth, John was actually born blue. He spent his childhood paying his dues. And now, with the grace of God and some wonderful medical help, John's doing something he's earned the right to do, and that's play the blues.

On his debut release - "Ain't No Big Deal" - John D'Amato, on electric guitar and vocals, is joined by: Lauren Cook D'Amato on background vocals; Kim Shrum on acoustic guitar, background vocals & keyboards; Dennis Taylor on saxophone; Keith Kenyon on bass; Ray Gonzales and Nick Lauritano on drums; and Jay Vern on keyboards.

Knowing about his early life's problems, I can't help wondering if John D"Amato picked this song for his opening track as a way of letting people know he really has his "Mojo Working".....and man is it working. Granted, this song's been done by everyone, but I don't recall anyone ever doing it quite this fast. Ray's lightening fast rhythm lead has everyone in super high gear and there are several blistering guitar leads culminated by a ninety second accelerated romp to end the track. This one's hot stuff.

At one point during that last track I thought I may have been listening to some of the discs best guitar work - I was wrong! Not thinking it possible, John actually takes it up a few notches on "Got No Shame". At this moment I'm in an absolute state of awe. Keith and Ray help this one out with some solid, and at times a bit funky, rhythm. Another smoker.

The first of several originals is titled "What's Up?" Of course the guitar riffs are as intense as ever, but this track had me focused more on John's vocal talents. A nice pitch and just the right amount of rasp, combine for a natural voice for singing the blues. More great rhythm with some extra help from Jay on piano.

"Black Orpheus" is nearly six minutes of perfect instrumental work. With Keith and Jay adding tremendous rhythm on bass and organ, Ray is at discs' best with the percussion. And John......he's being the usual guitar God I've come to know him as. This one rated several replays.

Now I'm sure there are many bar bands around the world that have butchered this song, but I seem to like it by anyone I ever hear do it. I think this particular version of "Folsom Prison" would even have Johnny smiling.

"Double Stop Me". The musicians reading this will understand what I mean, the rest of you will just have to hear it. On this instrumental, John D'Amato gives new meaning to the term "double stop". Let me just say it's double stopping on steroids and leave it at that. I can understand this one being less than three minutes - I was out of breath just listening.

Other tracks on "Ain't No Big Deal" include: "Stormy Monday", "Walk With Me", "Lift Me Up", and "Ain't No Big Deal".

If you haven't done so yet, you need to stop reading right now and get over to www.bluezzman.com. And instead of suggesting you pick up the disc while you're there, I'm going to do something a bit more stringent.....I'm going to insist you do so. Don't worry about it, you'll be thanking me later. BTW, please tell that Bluezzman this Blewzzman says "thanks, and great job".