Last weekend was filled with Social activity.. It all started Friday night when I had the opportunity to hear and meet another Texas Blues Legend, "Texas Johnny Brown". Johnny got his start while playing with Amos Milburn on Aladdin Records during the 1940's. He then moved on to work with Ruth Brown and Atlantic Records during her early recordings. After that he landed a job working for Don Robey and Peacock Records, in Houston, as a Studio musician. During the 1950's and 60's he toured with Junior Parker and Bobby "Blue" Bland. He's credited with writing the all time classic, "Two Steps From the Blues". Made famous by Bobby Bland....
What really impressed me about Johnny is how smooth and quick he is on the guitar for his age. He's got to be around 80 but at work with his '76 Gibson Les Paul Standard you would never know it. His style ocillates between a rootsy blues and a jazzy blues blended with an old chord melody style reminiscent of the 1940's. He plays an interesting set. During one song he has no problem riffing it up with a good amount of tension while bending notes. During the next song he'll smooth it out with a slow jazzy style indicative of time spent as a studio musician. Some songs you just want to sit, look, and listen while other songs make you want to get up an move around the Dance floor. It's all backed up by,"The Quality Blues Band", which lives up to its name.
The venue he played is a dive located on the westside of Houston called Shakespears which was originally opened by a couple of Brits. The place has since changed owners but the beer selection is good with proper 20 oz. pints and a nice variety on tap.
After Johnny's first set I had the opportunity to speak with him briefly and bought one of his Cd's. Included was a photo opportunity and an autograph. If you ever get a chance to see him I definitely recommend it. His next two gigs will be at the Houston International Festival and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.. Both this April...
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