Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Various Artists: Johnny

128

Various Artists: Johnny

By

Sign in to view read count
Various Artists: Johnny
Johnny Cash has always championed the little guy who faces down the giants in his world with a mature sense of satisfaction. In his memorable musical stories, Cash tells about how corporate headquarters doesn’t know what’s going on right in their own backyards, about how the tax man and the toll taker don’t realize that the little guy has found a loophole, about how someone was unfaithful to someone else for just a little bit, and about how the prison guards don’t realize that not everybody is the enemy. Sometimes, as with many blues and country & western songs, the singer paints a sorrowful picture, but Cash has always provided some kind of hope. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

NorthernBlues has put together an interesting collection of Johnny Cash songs – the songs that have helped mold our characters and have turned more than just a few days around in a positive manner. The lyrics take center stage, as each of the lead singers involved in this tribute project interprets these songs in his/her own sweet way. It takes getting used to. Johnny Cash has made such an impact over the years that many of these songs seem alien without Cash’s deep voice and unique form of expression. Only Sleepy Lebeef has made an attempt to imitate Johnny Cash, however, and since he’s singing “Frankie and Johnny,” that works out well.

Each of the others provides a truly unique interpretation. Corey Harris incorporates natural percussion and chanted vocals into his impassioned study of “Redemption.” Maria Muldaur settles in with a deep, comfortable tradition for “Walking the Blues.” Chris Thomas King sings “Rock Island Line” with simple, linear accompaniment. Gatemouth Brown swings lightly through “Get Rhythm” and Harry Manx soliloquies somberly on “Long Black Veil.” Kevin Breit’s instrumental arrangement of “Send a Picture of Mother” includes a festive Latin air, while Colin Linden’s contemporary take on “Big River” drives his rhythm section indelibly deep. The album finishes with a quiet, family gathering of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” by Mavis Staples with guitar, harmonica, keyboard, bass and hand claps.

Johnny’s Blues pays homage to the man and his songs with utmost respect. NorthernBlues’ talented artists have paid Cash a superb compliment by sharing their own unique interpretations of his music.

Track Listing

Train Of Love; Get Rhythm; Walking the Blues; Rock Island Line; I Walk the Line; Folsom Prison Blues; Long Black Veil; Sunday Mornin

Personnel

Clarence

Album information

Title: Johnny | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: NorthernBlues Music

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Mar 20 Wed

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.