Album review: MOJO ASSASSINS – Mojo Assassins

Artwork Media, Inc. [Release date 24.11.15]

The Mojo Assassins are a power trio comprising Ronny Griffin drums, Tony Calhoun on bass and vocals and David Zychek on guitar and vocals. Their collective pedigree includes Night Ranger, Stallion, Frankie Lee and jam time with the likes of Prince, Parliament and Funkadelic etc. The result is 11 self penned tracks on which the band manfully tries to find their own identity in a fusion of standard fare rock, funk and blues.

At times they sound positively tentative – as on the desultory vocals and sluggish arrangement of ‘Take Me As I Am’ – while at other times they sound like a completely different band as evidenced by the funky ‘She’s So Sexy’. And sandwiched in between the two is one of their very best songs, the Johnny Guitar Watson influenced ‘Time For Me To Go’.

They don’t seem to know whether to stick or twist with a funk-rock approach or go with the outright rock-blues of ‘I Can Make You Happy’, on which Zychek’s guitar tone broaches Zappa.

As always, a slow blues usually sorts out the contenders from the pretenders and the band do lean into ‘Somebody’s Going To Hell’ with real purpose and style. The song also benefits from one of the best vocals on the album – presumably from bass player Tony Calhoun – while David Zychek’s ethereal guitar tone explores the outer reaches.

Suddenly they sound inspired, and the booming rocker ‘Haters’, proves that whatever the limits of their material they sure can play.

‘Mississippi’ brings a touch of country blues to their palette, and they round things off with a gritty heartfelt ballad, ‘I’d Like To Be The One You Love’, which like the album as a whole is good in parts, but ultimately doesn’t quite deliver.

File under decent band in search of better material. ***

Review by Pete Feenstra

Pete Feenstra presents his Rock & Blues Show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Tuesday at 19:00 GMT, and “The Pete Feenstra Feature” on Sundays at 19:00

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.