www.ninevoltmag.com

by Jeff Maisey, Editor

April 2005

"John Baldwin is considered one of Hampton Roads' preeminent blues guitarists, but when you give 'Wide Alive and Dreaming' a complete spin it becomes quite evident that Baldwin's scope is much broader.

From classic sounding rock and contemporary country to blues and jazz, Baldwin's skills as songwriter, guitarist, and singer are really amazing. 'Shades of you', for instance, is an 8 minute jazz piece with ample room for Baldwin to rip it up, and he does.

Scott Woods' organ compliments Baldwin's early '70s foray on 'Tempted'. 'Baby I believe in you' is uplifting and takes a page from Van Halen's pop/rock songbook.

Diversities aside, Baldwin is a true bluesman and 'Mistreated', 'Redemption Blues', and 'I've been down' capture the Memphis and New Orleans vibe."