THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Memphis-based artist John Paul Keith’s new album The Rhythm of the City — his fifth solo album and first self-produced effort – finds him expanding his approach on a horn-heavy 10-song collection that’s in thrall to the classic sounds of Bluff City soul and rock ’n’ roll.
“I was at my home in Memphis one evening and heard a car pass by blasting Al Green’s Love and Happiness, which was recorded just a couple miles away,” says singer-songwriter Keith. “I was struck by how Howard Grimes’ drumming just seems to embody something about the feel and the pace of life for me here. I thought to myself, ‘Howard Grimes is the rhythm of the city.’ My next thought was, ‘That sounds like a title track.’ ”
Conjuring up his own unique musical mélange — a sweet spot where the sound of Sun blues, Stax soul, and Hi R&B all meet — it’s a record steeped in the geography and culture of Memphis, which Keith has called home for the last 15 years. “The vibe came about organically from playing Beale Street and Graceland and working with horn sections more frequently the last few years,” says Keith.
The Rhythm of the City was recorded to tape at Electraphonic Studios, and engineered by Keith’s frequent collaborator Scott Bomar (bandleader of the Bo-Keys, Don Bryant producer, and film composer for Dolemite Is My Name).”
