I can still see Ray at his piano swaying to the music. This took me back to the early 60's when I first heard that song, love Ray Charles. Thanx for the great cover Justin.
Love where you have gone with this! One of your many gifts is to reimagining something that is iconic and elevate it in your own style while honoring the original! 👏👏👏
Could you imagine if we had a president that had as much positive charisma and influence on the people of our country that Justin has with his beloved followers? We would be a no hardship, no hatred, everyone gets along nation that helps anyone in pain, poverty, illness or suffering. What a beautiful world it would be. Thank you J.J. long time follower.
WOW! Love me some Ray Charles! As if that song didn't move enough, a little Justin Johnson spice on a Honey Dipper sounds amazing! Hoping to hear this on your Patreon live stream next weekend!
Ok....Ive made some statements in the past, declaring that certain guitar player is the "best guitar player in the world" . I retract everything I have ever said. There are literally hundreds of guitar players that deserve to have their name mentioned in the conversation. BB King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Mississippi John Hurt, Ricky Scaggs John Mayer, and the list goes on. From an all around approach to playing, Im going out on a limb an say that Justin is the best guitarist on planet earth. Nope, not taking it back. Truth is truth. Justin you are just that good.
Justin Johnson is a rare gem in the world of guitarists, an artist whose mastery of the instrument transcends genres and expectations. Known for his unique approach to blues, roots, and Americana, Johnson’s playing is a seamless blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, with an ability to make even the simplest melodies resonate deeply with his audience. One of the most remarkable aspects of Justin Johnson’s artistry is his profound connection to the history of the guitar. His repertoire spans a variety of instruments, from the traditional six-string to cigar box guitars, resonators, lap steels, and even shovel guitars. Each of these instruments, in Johnson’s hands, becomes a vehicle for storytelling, evoking the rich heritage of American roots music. His dedication to preserving this heritage is not just about playing notes-it’s about channeling the spirit of the past into the present, creating a sound that is both timeless and fresh. Johnson's technical ability is astounding. Whether fingerpicking intricate blues patterns or playing slide guitar with soul-stirring precision, he navigates the fretboard with an ease that speaks of countless hours of dedication. His playing is clean, yet full of character, never losing the emotional depth that makes blues music so captivating. He manages to combine complex techniques with a deep groove, creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and rhythmically compelling. However, what truly sets Justin Johnson apart is his ability to evoke emotion. Listening to his music feels like an intimate conversation, one where every note carries meaning. His phrasing is impeccable-sometimes delicate and subtle, other times bold and fiery, always perfectly suited to the mood of the piece. His performances aren’t just about showing off technical skill; they are about creating an emotional experience for the listener. Whether he's playing a haunting Delta blues melody or an upbeat country-inspired tune, Johnson’s passion is palpable. His versatility is another defining feature. While Johnson is often categorized as a blues guitarist, his music is a fusion of various genres, including rock, folk, jazz, and even classical influences. This genre-blending allows him to create a sound that feels familiar yet innovative, drawing in listeners from all musical backgrounds. His ability to move effortlessly between different styles is a testament to his deep understanding of music and his fearless approach to composition. Beyond his impressive musicianship, Justin Johnson is also a passionate educator. Through his online tutorials and workshops, he shares his knowledge and techniques with a global audience, making his style accessible to players of all levels. His teaching is characterized by the same generosity and warmth that defines his performances, making him not only a gifted player but also a mentor to aspiring musicians. Justin Johnson is a guitarist whose talent, versatility, and deep connection to the roots of American music make him one of the most compelling musicians of his generation. His ability to blend tradition with innovation, coupled with his emotional expressiveness, ensures that his music resonates with a wide audience. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, Johnson consistently delivers performances that are as technically impressive as they are soulfully moving. He is not just a master of the guitar; he is a true artist, capable of transforming simple strings and wood into a medium for profound expression. www.candiano.com
This is amazing brother. The vibes speak volumes to me. Thanks for sharing the power of music and the fellowship that comes with it . I Love playing my dobro guitar, Though I'm always learning to be better its still an amazing instrument. Great Job On the technique and your style.
Justin you are the master high wizard of sound - your “feeling “ , the moods and emotions you traverse , capture and reflect make for such unique music , such a repertoire and profound understanding of song structure - the feeling transcends technical mastery and current “shred “ guitar obsession- your simpler ( just like the advice given in Lynyrd Skynyrd ‘s great and irreplaceable “Simple Man “ ) and gentlemanly style shows such restraint and refinement it becomes a more potent statement than some drag strip speed show - thank you (and your band mates and co creators ) for the dedication , the rehearsals , the practice and the product - know how much some of us savor your incredible music !!🙏👏👏👏🎼🎸💥🌏😱
Nice! Sounds great fingerstyle on your resonator, that music sounding made for you. Taught myself Ray's arrangement on my old (1925) piano. If I could sing ;-)
Too good for words, 50 yrs ago this was how i saw myself as a guitar player now. Sadly failed. No big prob, just bashing me old favourite songs out is great blast and has kept me sane for 50 years.
Groovy man , Justin your song selections to cover and remake is absolutely perfect for the way you play . Not another person on the Planet coild do any better . Keep doin what your doing , its working
Great choice of guitar for this song. The Honeydipper really projects fingerstyle beautifully, even more than slide IMO. Would love to see some more fingerstyle arrangements on the Honey. Awesome job Justin! I think the way the bridge is positioned lends this guitar more to fingerstyle than string muted blues.
