John Guidroz - Another Shot

​John Guidroz

Another Shot
self-released; 2024

​By ​Dino DiMuro 

Louisiana’s John Guidroz is a talented singer-songwriter who’s just released his third album titled Another Shot, a terrific collection of Americana pop songs with a neat retro-style cover.

Guidroz started playing acoustic shows way back in 2004, building a reputation as a solid live performer. By 2012 he was writing songs which were featured on his first solo album titled “Yesterday’s News” followed by a second album titled “Misfit Me.” Both albums included songs reminiscent of artists like Pete Yorn, David Gray and John Mayer. His newest collection contains seven tracks in which Guidroz mixes and matches Americana, country, folk, and pop. 

Producer Matt Moss helped bring Guidroz’s first two album to completion and returns to the mixing chair, with all recording taking place at EMF Productions in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It’s a short album (just 25 minutes) but certainly doesn’t feel undercooked!

We start off with one of the best songs in the set, the title track “Another Shot.” The lyrics are structured around a conversation the “John” character is having with a police officer who’s just pulled him over. “Officer I’m totally sober… Officer I swear I’m 33, but I don’t look as old as I should.” The lyrics continue in this humorous vein, until you realize that the title “Another Shot” refers not to skipping out on a ticket but to John getting his girl back. Musically the track starts with chiming acoustic guitar and vocal, then is shortly joined by the full band. I’d call this folk-country, with expansive keys, tasty lead guitar and lovely vocal harmonies. 

“Running” includes a count-in that makes pretty clear (if it wasn’t already) that this album was recorded with a live band in the studio. The title is appropriate as the tempo is quite brisk, pretty much at running speed. Guidroz’s clever wordplay starts right at the top (“Your mascara was running / Meanwhile I’m running out of excuses…”). The arrangement is a clean, tight assemblage of acoustic instruments including guitars, piano and drum kit. If his name doesn’t give you heartburn, musically this track reminds me of Bob Seger, though with vocal harmonies and lyrical ideas that are totally original. Toward the end there’s a string sound that’s very close to the old classic mellotron or chamberlin.

The title of “Laura” is a hint that Guidroz isn’t finished singing about relationships (“Hell has no fury like a woman scorned / You’re in a category all you’re own”). This one has an interesting tempo with emphasis on the off-beat, and is filled out with classic rock organ, guitars and stacks of harmonies, recalling solo Paul McCartney (“The Back Seat Of My Car”). “Feature” has a similar laid-back feel with a more jazzy Steely Dan-like arrangement, especially in the the electric guitar and organ… and yes, it’s another love song! (“You’re the definition of perfection / They don’t know how I see you / You’re the feature, not the preview.” Why didn’t I think of that?)

“Jukebox” marks the first major change, being an unabashed country outing. Guidroz’s voice is so different I fully expected to see a guest singer listed! The lyrics again don’t disappoint (“If you’re gonna play a song on the jukebox, make sure it’s worth a damn!”). The guitars twang and slide in true country style and the players deserve a free round at the saloon!  “Sing with Me” features a sax right up front and throughout, giving this track a late 70’s pop vibe, especially in the funky middle horn section. The song works both passively AND as a hook for audience participation.  The final track “Unanswered Crimes” has a great title that evokes Truman Capote’s “Answered Prayers.” Musically it’s a carefully performed acoustic ballad with a lovely building arrangement, with each instrument adding just what’s needed: your ears are constantly surprised and rewarded. Even the bass gets to shine!

As I stated up top, this is a short album but doesn’t feel that way. Guidroz is an excellent writer, singer and player and I recommend this collection wholeheartedly! 

johnguidroz.com

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