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Review: Josh Boyd "I only Talk to Angels"
A.J. Szozda
Press Staff Writer
The ever versatile Josh Boyd truly does it all on his first album playing the bass, various guitars and even the drums on one track. 
This is Boyd's first album and he has sold close to 1,000 copies. Boyd is already in his home studio working on albums two and three. "I only Talk to Angels" features several special guests like Denny Gorsuch, Lonnie Nevol from Unkle Knuckle Funk, Andre Wright from The Rivermen, Clark Brooks, Mike Scott, and Dave Mathis.
Produced in his own studio, the album sounds professionally recorded and arranged. Boyd's musical talent definitely shows on this collection of blues-based ballads and jams. The style is reminiscent of Kenny Wayne Sheppard or Johnny Lang. Blues based rock and roll with searing guitar dancing all over every song.
I don't think this will be the album that gets Boyd, a Waite grad, out of Toledo. Once Boyd's songwriting catches up with his guitar playing, I think he can make some inroads in the music industry. However, this is Boyd's first studio effort and it shows. Boyd hasn't quite found his original sound. The album doesn't break new ground musically or lyrically and the overall sound is a bit tired. But this album does show a lot of promise. Boyd's musical prowess and ability to arrange is clearly evident. He's a guitar slinger and his musical ability is not doubted.
"There are some things I wish I'd done differently, but I like it, it's cool. My next one's gonna blow it out," says Boyd.
With this C.D., Boyd wanted a more Alternative radio sound. He wanted to try something new and broaden his sound. A straight blues C.D. to be called "Got Blues" is about half done. He's working with Clark Brooks on it and it should be released by the Fall. Boyd also plans to release a live C.D. called "You make me feel so good," which should be out by June.
"I'm trying to get everybody hooked on everything. I'm trying to get people to have an open mind about music," says Boyd.
Boyd says three fourths of his live show consists of original material after years of playing covers.
It's refreshing to see one of Toledo's finest musicians making a commitment to writing and playing his own material. It shows when Boyd sings on track 7, "Everybody knows, I'm on a mission". His dedication is true and there's no lack in talent, and I expect some great music in the future. This C.D. won't blow you away, but has its moments and is worth checking out. It receives 3 zoz's out of 5.
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