NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND

NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND

When Noah Johnson gazed down on his newborn son, Robert, in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, in 1911, he had no idea that the boy would become one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.

To be fair, Robert had no idea, either, even by the time he died a scant 27 years later. Indeed, it wasn’t until 1961, when his slim body of recorded work was re-released, that the legend of Robert Johnson really took off.

Johnson, of course, is known for two things. First and foremost, he was an extraordinary guitar player and brutally emotional singer – qualities that transcend the poor quality of his records. Eric Clapton reckons he was the most important blues guitarist ever, and the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame honoured him as the first induction therein in 1986.

The second thing is the Faustian legend which surrounds him. In an effort to become a better performer, the story goes, the young man went to a crossroad near the Dockery plantation and copped a quick guitar lesson from Satan. The price of the lesson was Johnson’s soul.

Rare skill combined with a back-story that strikes deep historical resonance has pretty much guaranteed that Johnson has been a central figure in the story of blues ever since. Indeed, very few other artists, dead or alive, have had tribute albums performed by Clapton, John Hammond Jr, and Todd Rungren (and, among other things, a Japanese biographical manga movie).

His influence continues to enthral today. At The Basement on Thursday, December 1, much of the cream of Australia’s blues musos will gather to perform an event called A Night At The Crossroads – a tribute to Johnson. On stage will be luminaries such as Dom Turner from The Backsliders, Susannah Espie from Git, Ian Collard (Collard Green and Gravy), Kevin Bennett from The Flood and many many more.

For blues fans it will be a cracker of a night. We have four double passes to give away. To score one, simply phone The Basement box office during business hours on 9251 2797.

For a full rundown of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au

Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au

 

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