BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
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John Long was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1950. Influenced by his older brother Claude, who is a dedicated and accomplished blues musician in his own right, John immersed himself in the blues at a very young age. As many had done before, Long moved to Chicago in the early 70’s and plunged directly into the Windy City blues scene. It was in Chicago that Long met the man he would refer to as his adoptive father, Homesick James. James became a mentor and lifelong friend. Long had also attracted the attention of other Chicago blues heavyweights, including Muddy Waters, who declared, “John Long is one of the best young country blues artists today.”
If only Muddy could hear him now, as Long has only gotten better with age. In 2006, Delta Groove Music presented his first ever national release, Lost and Found, which garnered the often reclusive musician a Blues Music Award nomination for Acoustic Album of the Year, as well as accolades by many of his peers.
Renowned blues singer and guitarist John Hammond observed, “Johnny Long is worthy of international attention and this record is long overdue for an artist of this caliber. Lost & Found demonstrates that a great player is ready to be heard.”
As legendary singer and harmonica player Al Blake has said, “John Long is the best rack harmonica player I have ever heard. He is an outstanding singer and true original voice on guitar. He is an incredible song writer as well. What more could you ask for?”
A decade has passed since Long’s critically acclaimed debut and he hasn't lost a step. Stand Your Ground builds on his growing reputation as a “national treasure” by delivering another deep slice of Americana. Long expands on his sound by incorporating what he refers to as “amplified acoustic”. He plays both a modified Washburn Montgomery model archtop as well as a modified wood Resonator guitar. He keeps time by stomping on a 1938 (pre-war) Samsonite suitcase. The entirety of the album was recorded on analog tape, which bestowed it with a warm, ambient vintage sound. Most of the tracks were captured on their first take.
In addition to his solo performances, Long is accompanied by a rhythm section on several tracks featuring Southern California blues stalwarts and “A” list talent, pianist Fred Kaplan and bassist Bill Stuve. Esteemed jazz drummer Washington Rucker was also on hand at the bequest of Long, who added an interesting dynamic to the recordings. Rucker is renowned for his brush work and teaches a master class on the subject at USC, and his resume includes performing with the likes of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Dizzy Gillespie, Linda Hopkins and Big Joe Turner.
However, the focus of Stand Your Ground is clearly on the music and musicianship of John Long. He seems to possess an endless fountain of ideas on guitar, which are deeply informed by an immense variety of influences. One of the things that has always separated Long from the pack is that while many can emulate one or more of their heroes, Long completely inhabits them, yet creates an instantly recognizable sound that is all his own.
It has been said that the blues is the aquifer that feeds all the tributaries of American music. By presenting blues music in a straight, naturalistic way, John Long demonstrates this concept with crystalline clarity. Elements of gospel, country, folk balladry and even sounds reminiscent of the singing cowboy traditions of the west come shining through his music. The irony is by not making concessions towards the marketplace of mediocrity, by not watering down his blues with artificial additives or sweeteners, by simply standing his ground, John Long has created music that has something for just about anybody. It is authoritative music that will endure the test of time.
Stand Your Ground will be released on Friday, May 20th. John Long will be performing at the Doheny Blues Festival in Dana Point, California, which takes place on May 21st and 22nd. Copies of this CD will be available at Charlie Lange’s Bluebeat Music store on the festival grounds.
- David Mac
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BLUES JUNCTION Productions
7343 El Camino Real
Suite 327
Atascadero, CA 93422-4697
info