Timmion Finland Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Timmion and Daptone present My Echo, Shadow and Me, the debut album from the soulful Chicano brother, Jonny Benavidez. Hailing from San Diego (via El Paso, TX), Jonny's desire to sing was influenced by his grandfather, John Lorenzo Guzman, who as a teen in the early sixties spent some time harmonizing with groups in El Paso - notably Sonny Powell and the Night Dreamers. After a chance encounter with the legendary Dimas Garza, Jonny's career began to blossom and soon he would find himself singing alongside stars like Eugene Pitt and Archie Bell-garnering the interest of Timmion Records. Backed by the incomparable Cold Diamond & Mink (Bobby Oroza, Pratt & Moody), these eleven originals were all penned by Benavidez. From the uplifting bounce of the title track; the doo-wop dinged 'Dedicated to You'; the Latin flare of 'Uncle Sam' and the Sweet Soul masterpiece 'Somebody Cares'; My Echo, Shadow and Me is not only an aweinspiring display of Jonny's versatility as an artist but also serves as a window into the eclectic array of soulful sounds that inspired him to fall in love with music and become a singer. A must have for fans of Daptone, Timmion, Penrose, et al.

Review: Following a string of singles on Timmion and its lesser-celebrated Stylart Records offshoot, Jonny Benavidez offers up his debut album, My Echo, Shadow & Me. In keeping with Timmion's successful formula, Benavidez is accompanied by the label's sensational (and undeniably authentic-sounding) house band, Cold Diamond & Mink, for a stroll through alternatively loved-up, heartbroken and irresistibly funky soul songs inspired by records from the 1960s. It's a winning formula all told, made even more special and rewarding not by Cold Diamond & Mink's backing and production - which is as good as ever - but the sensationally soulful and sensitive nature of Benavidez's voice.

Review: Jonny Benavidez is the soul star we can't get enough of right now and thankfully he is back with another doozy with Cold Diamond & Mink, whose mesmeric grooves make for another sublime voyage. This new 7" is a double-sider that has tunes taken from the My Echo, Shadow and Me album and 'Do What You Wanna Do,' is a lovely dancer with buttery top lines from Benavidez, rolling grooves, backing vox and big horns embellishing it yet further. On the B-side is 'Your Last Song,' a more bluesy and downtempo sound that is packed with powerful melodies that you wont't be able to stop humming.

Review: Talk about being truly timeless. Chicano soul sensation Johnny Benavidez is the kind of artist who can figuratively, and spiritually, transport listeners to a golden age of Doo Wop, funk, and R&B, writing tracks and songs that glide on a smooth, easy listening cloud but still pack plenty of bite when it comes to the nitty gritty. Music to move you in many ways. Grandson of John Lorenzo Guzman (background vocalist for Sonny Powell & The Night-Dreamers), this relationship has a lot to answer for, with Pa encouraging Jr to take up singing and pursue music seriously. We're glad that happened, given My Echo Shadow & Me - a two tracker that could almost be considered retro or pastiche, if it didn't sound so damned fresh. Or at least ageless.