For those unaware, it was Duke Ellington who famously said, “there are two kinds of music, good and the other kind.” Not only was it a terrific observation about music, but it also contained an implied challenge.

For an artist to stay on the “good” side of that choice, not only should he possess the natural gifts and emotional awareness to connect with listeners, but he should also be able to utilize a musical vocabulary that embraces the many musical traditions that came before. One such artist is singer and songwriter, John Korbel.

His songwriting combines the accessibility of contemporary pop and country with a decidedly Jazz song structure and phrasing technique. He also incorporates bossa nova and Latin influences into much of his work. The result is something unique and engaging.

For singer-songwriter John Korbel, the title of his brand new album Johnny Still Got Game is more than a playful declaration. It is a testament to a lifelong commitment to songwriting, reinvention, and creative growth.

Released October 30th, 2026, the album finds the Florida-based artist at the peak of a musical journey that began in Philadelphia clubs, wound through touring bands and decades of life experiences, and has now arrived at his most ambitious and hands-on recording project to date.

Blending jazz-inflected sophistication, pop craftsmanship, funk grooves, and sharp storytelling, the album showcases Korbel’s gift for turning personal experiences and vivid imagination into songs that resonate far beyond their origins.

1. Paint A Starry Night
2. A Life Of Its Own
3. Great Flowing River
4. Johnny Still Got Game
5. Speedshop At The Top Of The World
6. Courageous Love
7. You Ruined Everything
8. Walls Can Talk
9. Any Less Of A Love
10. The Only Thing
11. Never Bet Against The Sun

With a willingness to follow unexpected creative paths having already defined his career, Korbel opens on the sweeping elegance of Paint A Starry Night and the Van Morrison-esque A Life Of Its Own and then we are given the smokey Great Flowing River, the all-embracing title cut Johnny Still Got Game, and the deliciously jaunty Speedshop At The Top Of The World.

Along next is the beautifully sculptured balladry of Courageous Love which is in turn backed seamlessly by the low slung finger-snapper You Ruined Everything, the soaring Walls Can Talk and the gently propulsive, veritably shimmering at pace Any Less Of A Love, the new set rounding out on the emotive acoustic ballad The Only Thing, coming to an all-too-soon close on the country drive, windows down, warm breeze on your face cut Never Bet Against The Sun.

Musicians:
John Korbel – Vocals and Guitar; Mark Falchook – Keyboards (Producer); Marco Bojorquez – Acoustic and Electric Bass; Jef Thal – Drums and Percussion; Chris West – Saxophones and Woodwinds; John Coleman Gilson – Lead Guita; Sam Reckart – Background Vocals; Tom Cabrera – Drums; Roberto Carlos – Alto Saxophone; Jeff “Doc” Jones – Harmonica; Gilberto Santos – Trumpet; Derrick Harris – Trombone

Official Purchase Link

www.johnkorbel.com