CULLMAN —
Every time Justin Johnson comes to Cullman, more and more out-of-town music lovers follow him here.
The 29 year-old roots-rock guitarist blends genres in his live sets, radiating folk, surf rock, funk and jazz guitar out from the center of what’s essentially, at its core, a deep-South blues style.
Sporting only one stringed instrument at a time, a loop station that allows him to accompany himself, and a sturdy pair of boots for stomping rhythms, Johnson’s a one-man show. His direct and polite stage banter represents the only vocals in a Justin Johnson performance — the rest is pure instrumental sound.
For many who packed out Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House to hear Johnson Thursday, part of the attraction lies in the way he combines authenticity with virtuosity. His stage kit is a mini-museum of unique stringed instruments with humble origins — the cigar box guitar; the one-stringed diddley bow.
However sophisticated or crude, no instrument sounds humble in Johnson’s hands.
“It’s incredible how he gets the sound he gets out of just one string,” said Sissy Kelly, who made the trip from Guntersville to hear Johnson live for the second time. “My husband and I are big fans of slide guitar, blues stuff, and it’s awesome to get to hear music like this in a small venue like this, where you sit there and hear him do these things live that most people can’t do in a studio.”
Johnson has said he enjoys the personal quality that small venues offer artists. Sure enough, an hour before his live show, he and 20-something enthusiasts were crammed into the coffee shop’s back room, the majority clutching cigar box guitars — both owned and borrowed — while Johnson taught them a little about how to play the things.
“Yeah, he’s the real deal,” said John Alderman of Decatur. “That’s the whole reason my wife and I are here.”
Thursday was Johnson’s second visit to Cullman; he’d made a few fans once before when he swung through for a crowded show at Bob’s last summer. After talking to local music instructors, guitar enthusiasts and folks who were just plain impressed between his two sets, he could tell he’d just made a few more.
Just before packing up the RV he and girlfriend Nikki Jaeger are sharing on his winter tour of the South, Johnson knew he’d left an impression when his host, “Berkeley” Bob Keefe, bought one of his instruments off him after the crowd had gone. Parting with a four-string Highway 55 cigar box guitar he’d used on his most recent album, Johnson left the instrument behind him with a message to its new owner on the back:
“Bob: I know it’s in good hands — Justin.”
Learn more about Johnson and the instruments he uses online at justinjohnsonlive.com.
Click here for more from The Times’ Jan. 2 interview with Johnson and check back here for video from Thursday's event.
Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
Top News
Related Photos
-
Slide guitarist Justin Johnson stayed in motion for most of the night Thursday, where he kept the stage warm at Berkeley Bob’s Coffee House. BENJAMIN BULLARD
-
A box, a stick, a piece of string...or something more. The elaborate cigar box guitars on display Thursday at Berkeley Bob’s demonstrated the humble instruments can be a little more sophisticated than their vernacular ancestors. BENJAMIN BULLARD
Discussion
Guitarist brings skills to Cullman for workshop
- Top News
-
-
Cullman City Schools’ superintendent search: 5 finalists announced
The five finalists for the Cullman City Schools’ superintendent position has been announced.
-
CRMC has in house drill on abduction
Cullman Regional Medical Center participated in a child abduction drill Tuesday afternoon that left many visitors thinking the scenario was actually real.
-
Arrests, incidents reports for Monday, June 17, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Monday:
-
‘Who do you want me to cut?’
The debate to increase the City of Hanceville’s sales tax from 8.5 to 9 percent to bring in additional revenue continued Thursday night, though no motion was made to move forward because the council remains deadlocked.
-
Sammie Danford appointed new United Way director
Following a recent search in the wake of former director Kasey Kearce’s resignation, the United Way of Cullman County has found its new director.
-
City schools’ superintendent finalists announced tonight
A list of at least five finalists to be the next Cullman City Schools’ superintendent will be announced tonight at a specially-called meeting.
-
The Times' Morning Update for Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:
-
Sheriff’s Office diving team to have training session
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office diving team will have a diving session to recover an allegedly stolen vehicle Tuesday at Smith Lake Park, and will be introducing a sixth member to the diving team.
-
Arrests, incidents reports for June 14-16, 2013
Here is a look at the incidents that were reported to the Cullman City Police Department for Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
-
Strong thunderstorms moving into area
A strong thunderstorm is on the move just south of Addison and moving into Cullman County, according to the National Weather Service.
- More Top News Headlines
-
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
