This album features some of Catfish John's best songs in the blues/rock genre. He is playing with a full band in all of the tracks, and there are some original songs mixed in with some classic covers. Each song has been compiled from a different album, so you might think of this collection as a "sampler"album. Also featured are some previously unreleased tracks of him playing with "The Front Street Blues Band". For more information on what musicians are featured and which albums the songs were originally released on, see the notes for each selection.

Here are some new songs from Catfish John and Friends recorded in 2015 and 2016. This album contains many classic blues covers. Most of it is in the "blues/rock" style. There is one original song called "It's A Lie" ( about propaganda) which leans more towards classic rock.

Blues/rock album by Catfish John and Friends that features a variety of songs recorded over many years. There are many classic blues standards along with two original songs. The original songs are "These Blues Ain't Easy" ( Title cut ) and "Win Or Lose".

Catfish John put together The Front Street Blues Band soon after moving to Maui in 1991. They were based in Lahaina and stayed together for about three years. One of the night clubs they regularly played in was called "Ludwigs". ( Owned by a family member of the Ludwig Drum co. ) Many of the songs on this album were recorded live at Ludwigs.
Like most bands it went through some changes as it evolved, but each one always made the group stronger. The band was named after the historic "Front Street" in Lahaina. They would sometimes play in clubs along Front Street, and so they adopted the name.

This album features three original songs and many other classic rock n' roll and blues cover tracks. It was recorded in one afternoon as a three piece "power trio", and most songs were recorded in just one "take". Though it may lack the polish of a fully produced studio album, it does manage to capture a lot of the raw energy of the performances .

Special thanks goes to Steve Wright for playing drums and doing the engineering, and to Rick Martinelli for playing bass and providing the chocolate chips.

Catfish John and Friends playing a wide range of music from blues to bluegrass.

Catfish John performing "live" at several concert halls in 1989 and '90. This album contains many classic blues and folk songs, also a couple of fiddle tunes. Catfish toured the west coast from Seattle to San Francisco in the 80's as a solo act playing concerts, clubs, and music festivals.

This CD features all original Blues & Rock songs. This album features a full backup band on all tracks and is good, solid "roadhouse" style rock & roll.

This collection of blues, rock n' roll and country songs was recorded "live" at various bars, night clubs, or "Honky Tonks". It keeps the vibe of a typical "bar gig", complete with mistakes, background noises, bad mixes, and whoops and hollers. You can almost smell the beer and cigarette smoke. The important thing here, is having a good time. This album is dedicated to the gang hangin' out at the local Honky Tonk.

Honky Tonk:
A cheap or disreputable bar, club, or dance hall, typically where country music is played.
"country bands at highway honky-tonks"

This album of all original songs is a departure from Catfish John's typical "Roadhouse Blues" style. It was inspired by living in Hawaii, and was recorded shortly after he moved to Maui in 1991 . It has a kind of laid back contemporary island feel and it's very easy to listen to over and over again. The music reflects a mellow Island lifestyle, and also features two original "slack key" acoustic guitar instrumentals.

Catfish John and Friends playing mostly acoustic music in many styles from blues to bluegrass.

Catfish John was a member of the instrumental band called String Fever. They played some hot traditional "fiddle" music that spanned across Appalachian, Irish, and Cajun styles. Catfish is featured on fiddle and banjo, and he also engineered the project at Koa Music Studio, located on Maui. This group is fun to listen to and will get your feet tapping.

A collection of old time songs played on acoustic guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. There are some traditional blues and country songs and even a little bit of yodeling. Most of the music was recorded in the 80's as part of John's radio show he hosted on KUFM at the University of Montana. "Deep River Blues" and "Little Red Rooster", were recorded later in Hawaii after he moved there in 1991. This album was originally released as a two CD set.

This album of original rock/funk instrumentals is a departure from Catfish John's more common blues/rock style music. It features his electric lead guitar playing and represents a milestone in his development as a musician. Several tunes were written to pay tribute to his musical influences; "One For Carlos" (Carlos Santana), "Jon Lee Was Here" (John Lee Hooker)

There are a variety of styles of music on this album ranging from blues to bluegrass. Many of the songs in this collection were recorded as part of John's radio show called "Catfish John's Radio Jamboree". It includes many of Catfish John's friends as guest musicians. The show was aired on KUFM public radio from the University of Montana in the 80's.
Please look at the "info" link on each track to see who is playing on it.