Tongue and Groove: A Self-Produced Album with Legendary Rock Collaborators
“Buck Johnson came in out of the blue and purely by chance to our Aerosmith family, and we feel we really won the lottery. Big. Turns out he’s much, much more than just a guy to sing harmony with. He plays slammin’ guitar and is out of this world on anything keys. He’s a true all-around talent, a huge asset to me and Aerosmith and also a great human being and friend.” — Steven Tyler
Santana also taps some rock heroes on the new disc, with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler contributing vocals to “Just Feel Better,” while Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett appears with pedal steel phenom Robert Randolph on the instrumental track “Trinity.” — Billboard
“This poignant track revolves around the theme of finding solace, hope, and comfort in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that in the darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light and a chance for redemption. Just Feel Better urges individuals to embrace their struggles, process their pain, and move forward with renewed strength. It serves as a guiding anthem, encouraging listeners to persevere through life’s challenges and empower themselves to heal and grow.” — Anna Hawkins, Old Time Music
FOR RELEASE
Friday, September 20, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Buck Johnson, the renowned keyboardist and backing vocalist for Aerosmith, The Hollywood Vampires (Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, and Tommy Henriksen), The Joe Perry Project, and on tour with Ringo Starr, releases his highly anticipated album Tongue and Groove. The album is a visceral experience that channels the raw power of rock and roll with the soulful depth of a seasoned storyteller. Packed with blistering guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and lyrics that cut to the bone, Tongue and Groove is a fearless tribute to resilience, drawing its strength from the timeless concept of the “tongue and groove” woodworking joint—a symbol of enduring connection and strength against life’s fiercest storms.
Tongue and Groove is a collection of songs Buck had co-written with lifelong collaborators such as Charlie Midnight (James Brown, Joe Cocker, Joni Mitchell), and was self-produced by Buck. The album showcases the roots-rock voice of Buck (“tongue”) with his classic rock production (“groove”). Buck enlisted talented musicians and friends on the album, including guitarists Damon Johnson (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, Brother Cane), Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow), Rob McNelley (Bob Seger, ACM Guitar Player of the Year), drummer Nick Buda (Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney), and bassist Ted Pecchio (Doyle Bramhall II, Susan Tedeschi).
Reflecting on his upbringing in Shady Grove, Alabama, Buck shares, “When I was a kid growing up in Adamsville, Alabama, my family lived in an older craftsman style home, and when there would be tornado warnings, my father would say, ‘No need to worry, son, cause this house is built tongue and groove, and it will withstand any storm.’ After my father passed away in 2021, that saying resonated with me as I wrote the title track “Tongue And Groove” with Charlie Midnight and Peter Stroud, which became the cornerstone of the album.”
‘Tongue and groove this house ain’t gonna move
It’ll be alright, gonna be alright
Every piece has its place
Let nothing go to waste
That’s the way we live our lives
We’re built tongue and groove’
These lyrics from the album’s title track echo the deep, personal connection Buck feels of things falling into place. Buck says, “That song was the benchmark for the album, as I assembled a collection of songs that fit together seamlessly and emotionally. Songs like “Live For The Song” tell the story of being a lifetime singer and musician, and what keeps you going on the road is the music. “Living the Life” is a fun uptempo song about being grateful in life when you have someone you love by your side.”
Drawing inspiration from his own experiences, Buck crafted an album that reflects the themes of perseverance, love, and the pursuit of passion. The tracks were carefully chosen to mirror the emotional highs and lows of life, just like the steady strength of a tongue and groove joint. Each song, with its unique message and sound, builds upon the others to create a cohesive, powerful narrative that resonates with listeners.
Buck adds, “A tongue and groove joint is a type of woodworking joint that simplifies the installation process of wood boards and materials. Its main purpose is to easily fit groove boards and joints together with minimal stress or effort involved. It creates a strong and seamless connection between the two boards.”
Buck previously released “Just Feel Better,” a song that was recorded by Carlos Santana featuring Steven Tyler on vocals in 2005. The song is about a close friend who suffered abuse and would do anything to just feel better. Buck says, “It’s my hope that the song speaks to those who suffer mentally and emotionally and know that it’s okay to reach out for help.”
Tongue and Groove stands as a testament to Buck’s dedication and artistry. With its heartfelt lyrics, masterful musicianship, and rich production, Buck Johnson invites you to experience this sonic journey, where each track builds a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us all of the power of music to heal, inspire, and bring us together.
Buck Johnson Tongue and Groove Track Listing (songwriters in parenthesis):
- Just Feel Better (Jamie Houston, Buck Johnson, Damon Johnson)
- Living the Life (Buck Johnson, Charlie Midnight, James Hicks)
- Live For The Song (Buck Johnson, James Dean Hicks, Charlie Midnight)
- Tongue and Groove (Buck Johnson, Peter Stroud, Charlie Midnight)
- Wake Up Joanna (Buck Johnson, Charlie Midnight, Jamie Houston)
- When Love Was Young (Buck Johnson, Charlie Midnight)
- Who Do You Think You Are (Buck Johnson, Warren Huart)
- And Then Rain Comes (Buck Johnson, Charlie Midnight)
- If I Could Only Be Sure (Mekler Gabriel and Nolan Frederick Porter)
For more information and to connect with Buck Johnson, follow him on Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify.
To schedule an interview or for more information, contact Dead Horse Branding at the following:
Danielle Reiss
Dead Horse Branding
Phone: (949) 421-9787
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About Buck Johnson
Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer Buck Johnson is the keyboardist and backing vocalist for the legendary rock band Aerosmith, the Hollywood Vampires (Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry), and The Joe Perry Project. Buck hails from the backroads of Shady Grove, Alabama, just outside Birmingham, where he grew up singing gospel throughout the South with his musical family. Since beginning his career, the soulful rock artist has amplified his musical talent by performing in churches, bars, festivals, and concert halls globally alongside icons like Aerosmith, Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper.
As a songwriter, Buck co-wrote the international hit single for Carlos Santana, “Just Feel Better,” for his 2005 album All That I Am, featuring Steven Tyler. After moving to Nashville in 2006, Buck joined the country rock band Whiskey Falls, releasing their self-titled album in 2007 and earning two Country Top 40 hit singles, “Last Train Running” and “Falling Into You.” Buck credits his Alabama roots and his many years of living in California for his soulful rock Cala-Bama sound.
Buck has also had numerous songs featured on television and in films as a songwriter, composer, producer, and performer, including the song “You Came Along” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus on vocals for the Lifetime movie Flying By, “Working Man” by Whiskey Falls for the ABC TV show Extreme Makeover-Home Edition, and “Fast Talking Lover” by Whiskey Falls for the ABC TV show Nashville.
Continuing to expand his songwriting and musicianship, Buck produced and co-wrote Kaitlyn Kohler’s single “I’m Not Crying,” which recently went No. 1 at Texas Country radio.
Buck has also recorded and/or toured with such notable acts as The Doobie Brothers (“Rockin’ Down The Highway” live album), Tal Bachman (hit single “She’s So High”), Jon McLaughlan (hit single “Beautiful Disaster”), John Waite, Chris Stills, Timothy B. Schmit (The Eagles), and more. He has also worked as a songwriting collaborator, session vocalist, and musician with songwriters and producers Jamie Houston (High School Musical, Carlos Santana), Charlie Midnight (The Doobie Brothers), and Bob Rock (Tal Bachman).
Buck’s latest works feature various iconic artists, including his self-produced rock ‘n’ roll album, mixed by Chad Carlson (Taylor Swift, Blues Traveler, Chris Isaak, Trisha Yearwood); engineered by Tim Brennan (Steven Tyler, Chris Daughtry, Jason Mraz); Nick Buda on drums (Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney); on guitar Rob McNelley (Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood); Luis Maldonado (Train, Foreigner); and Geoff Pearlman (Linda Perry, Rikki Lee Jones, Jakob Dylan); and Ted Pecchio on bass (Doyle Bramhall II, Derek Trucks Band).
The album features notable lead guitarists Damon Johnson (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow), and the songwriting team of Buck and Charlie Midnight (James Brown, Joe Cocker, and Joni Mitchell). As a versatile entertainer, Buck’s artistry encompasses American rock ‘n’ roll with a unique soulful flare that comes from his gospel roots, creating a sound and style of his own.
Downloadable Images
Photography Credit: Jodi Cunningham
Photography Credit: Aerosmith, Katarina Benzova
Photography Credit: Aaron Perry
