Joel Johnson - First Nations Blues Artist

I had the distinct pleasure to see Joel Johnson  www.joeljohnsonblues.com perform at the Cadillac Lounge as an opening act for a Toronto Blues Society event. When he took to the stage with just a guitar and a microphone, I wondered what type of performance this young man could create as a solo artist. We were all surprised at the richness of his sound, from the vocal soul to his guitar technique.

After the show I had a chance to learn about his First Nations background and the training and inspiration he received from his father who taught him the blues. Apparently, the blues are big in our First Nations reserves. Joel is an inspired musician, and embraces and shares his Six Nations culture. What better way to learn about the people that inhabited North America before the Europeans arrived. The spiritual influence of the aboriginal culture meshes well with the blues and Joel is a great ambassador to open the dialogue. Below are some quotes from his website. He is an impressive artist with a proud past and willing to share.

"Joel Johnson is an award winning and highly acclaimed blues guitarist from the Six Nations, has won a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award for best blues album of the year.Johnson was also nominated for best male artist and single of the year.

2010 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards winner for Best Blues Album, Best Song Single and nominated for Best Male Artist. Also nominated for Blues Recording of the Year at the 2010 Hamilton Music Awards, Joel Johnson packs some hard hitting blues on his solo debut album Blues Joose Vol. 1. From Six Nations Ontario Canada, this blues man’s journey started at the young age of 7. Sharing the stage with many well known blues musicians such as Jack De Keyzer and the late great Mel Brown. 2008 nominee and winner with former band for Best Blues Album at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. Writing and recording Blues Joose Vol. 1 all by himself," 

Well worth the listen,


The Adventure Guy