Seldom do I hear much new music anymore that really moves me. Well, this happened yesterday. Johnny Sansone sent an email out to the club here that he would be doing an in-store performance at Louisiana Music Factory in the Quarter. To be honest, I've never really been a fan of Johnny's music in the past;although the performances were good, I just didn't feel it grab me. This is an album he recorded during the summer as an eclectic but amazing trio I never would have thought of:Johnny, Anders Osborne on guitar, and Stanton Moore(of Galactic fame), drummer extraordinaire. Notice in that breakdown that there's no bass player. They don't need one! WOW, what a sound-both live and on the album. So raw and in your face, very reminiscent of the Black Keys or Moreland and Arbuckle in its simplicity yet fullness of sound. Johnny was in good voice, and his playing is spot-on Chicago-style harp. Stanton was-Stanton, plain as that. He's a monster timekeeper, and fun to watch. Anders is playing capoed most of the time, thru some sort of octave effect, mostly on the lower strings, actually laying down more of a bass line on a strat. If you've ever heard or seen Anders play, he's all over that guitar, but not here. It's a really cool exercise in restraint.
This is a huge change in sound for Johnny, and I really, really like it. The lyrics are dark and thought-provoking, and the title track is simply incredible. Do check it out.
This was the style of playing he hit us in the face with like a sledgehammer during HCH1. I know my jaw dropped, and I think that most others did too. The song was very similar to this one with a little different groove, but the same driving one chord song that only lets up with his lyric break. I don't know if he had this song in the making before, or if he invented it on the spot, but it was fantastic.
Believe it or not, it was not his best performance of the night. His Chrom. performance still gives me chills.
They are two of my prized recordings.
I did buy his cd based on what I had heard at HCH1. While it was good, it wasn't this style of playing - which is what I was expecting I guess.
I'm absolutely sure I will buy this new album when I get the chance.
Johnny's always been one where I prefer his life performance over the studio-recorded versions, but this new one is an exception, as I saw it live in the flesh. Although it still lacks the energy of a live show, it's a well-produced album(Anders did it).
Oh, and he does play chromatic on this album as well. ---------- Todd
Johnny asked me if I would consider bringing some of his new CDs to HCH since he could not be there this year. As of now, the option is open. Perhaps I could bring a limited number of them and maybe have him sign them. Would this interest anyone? I do not know the cost, but I would assume that they would be about $15. ----------
Todd - thanks for the heads up on this - Anders Osborne and Stanton are two of my favourite musicians. Really like the sound Johnny Sansone is gone for here
I'll take one. I saw him perform at HCH last year while hanging out with fellow MBHer Snakes. We both commented on how his style really set him apart. ---------- Ozark Rich __________ ##########
Just checked out the video clip. Johnny and Anders sound great, but the drummer ruins it for me. He's just pounding away on those things and preventing any subtlety from happening.
Hey Harvy, Get him to sign one for me. I got to play acoustic with him last year at HCH. Was hoping he could make it this year but oh well but a signed CD would be great. I'll see yall there. Hey, by the way I'm bringing my guitar player from my band. He's looking forward to jamming with every one. He's coming as a non harp player but want's to be part of the vibe. Mike Rector
@Shredder. Are you guys coming to Clarksdale on Thursday? If so, and you get there early enough, Beltone is working on a Happy Hour Jam before Deak's show, and we perhaps could use a guitar player. ----------
Harvy, no :( we can only come in on Friday evening. It's a 7 hr. drive from Bridge City TX. just to get to Oxford. I know my Guitar player will be dissipointed when I tell him. Hopefully he can get on stage at Roosters Friday night, we are both really looking forward to the weekend. If you remember, I'm the guy that didn't get the 3rd position thing in Brandons session. You gave me one of your cards with the circle of 5'ths on it and explained how to read it. That was the biggest revelation I took home from HCH, I still thank you every time I play 3rd pos. Mike
