The Providence Phoenix, naming Johnny Lingo the “Best Male Vocalist of 2009″:

Johnny Lingo works the live circuit like no other, and his loyal fanbase highly evident with a dominant tally in the Male Vox category. Lingo has been on the Rhody scene for years — he was a 2004 WBRU Rock Hunt winner with the Johnny Lingo Band. His recent solo disc Shake It Off (available on iTunes) jumps to life with mega-hooks — from the catchy riff on the opener “Step Outside” to the twinkling keys on “1 in 10” (featuring ZOX violinist Spencer Swain) to the Billy Joel-channeling “This Man,” Lingo proves to be more than just a piano-bar ham (albeit a role he relishes regularly at McFadden’s and Tazza Caffe). Lingo coasts with confidence throughout the uptempo, fun-loving Shake It Off, and voters could have been easily swayed when hearing the delicate and introspective closing track “Guess Again,” a sparse jaw-dropper that showcases Lingo’s vocal chops.

The Providence Phoenix‘ review of “Shake It Off”:

Johnny Lingo just may be the unabashed king of piano-pop ditties here in Li’l Rhody, as showcased on his recent full-length debut Shake It Off (Onetime Records, available at myspace.com/johnnylingoband), displaying his penchant for quirky and twinkling hooks with a reverent nod to influences like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Ben Folds. On Saturday (the 31st), Mr. Lingo will pull double duty with an opening slot for the Gay Blades/Kiss Kiss/makeupbreakup show at Club Hell before shooting over to the Century Lounge to revisit his role as keyboardist for local jam-band institution Fungus Amungus. Lingo will also stop by 95.5 WBRU on Friday (the 30th) for an on-air interview at 3 pm.

Wildy’s World review of “Shake It Off”:

Johnny Lingo is perhaps the next big thing. Hailing from Providence, Rhode Island, the guy who always swore he’d never become a musician has become something more: an artist. Johnny Lingo behind the keys is something to behold. He writes with the bombast of Elton John or Ben Folds, and the pop sensibility of Billy Joel. His debut album, 2008’s Shake It Off, is something you’re going to want to hear.

Johnny Lingo is going to be compared heavily to artists such as Folds, John and Joel; due to the piano-driven rock style he writes in. The comparison is fair and warranted. Johnny Lingo benefits from the path they have cut in the rock universe, and he writes well enough to carry his own weight amongst such luminaries. Whether Joel-esque story songs (Step Outside), jazz-fueled rock (Foolin’ Around), new wave (Fallen Angel) or Folds-style brashness (1in10), Johnny Lingo can do it all. Shake It Off is a how-to guide for making a great piano driven rock album. Other highlights include Marquee Move, This Man and Guess Again, which is the most starkly personal song on the album.

Shake It Off introduces Johnny Lingo to the world. This debut is more like a big bang than a cosmic whistle. Johnny Lingo is a rare talent who will not stay hidden. I’d like to hear another album before we truly put him in the circle with the likes of Folds, John and Joel, but he’s making an argument you have to listen to.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

The Wheaton Wire’s concert review:

Reminiscent of early Billy Joel and channeling the lyrical vibes of Dashboard Confessional, The Johnny Lingo Band boasts a style that is completely its own. Lingo and Leonard succeed in blending two distinctive sounds into a harmonious whole. “I think they have such an amazing dynamic together…you can really hear every note” says Elizabeth Hughes ‘12.

From the moment upon stepping foot into the Loft, one could gather that The Johnny Lingo Band enjoys creating a lively atmosphere. They lined tables with free copies of their CD Shake it Off and played with an enthusiasm that was absolutely contagious.

Simply watching Lingo’s fingers move across the keyboard with lightning speed was mesmerizing and entertainment enough to last the whole night. “The guy at the piano is a monster…he’s killing it out there,” says Kachi Udeoji ‘12.

However, this duo refuses to rely on the power of the music and pushes each performance with an energy that challenges each listener to get up and dance. Many Loft patrons jumped up and danced in the aisles, to the pleasure of Udeoji, who says “We need to revive the dance-party feel [during Live at the Loft].”

Amid the tables of strawberry smoothies, cheesy fries, and free pizza, The Johnny Lingo Band reminded students about the raw power that music can harness. Every song – from the keyboard introduction to the underlying drum rolls behind chords – possesses a flow that feels completely natural, despite the uncommon pairing of instruments and independently-astounding exploration of vocal capabilities.

With a power as dynamic as that of The Johnny Lingo Band, listeners can be sure that the duo is not disappearing anytime soon. The simultaneous simplicity and complexity of their performance demands a response from listeners in a time when worn-out styles and recycled methods have become too common.