Bill Johnson is on the move with his 2nd cd release " The Bill Johnson Blues Band 'LIVE' ".

His first cd "Why I Sing the Blues", is a collaboration between Bill and top US and Canadian poets. Debuting to sold out shows in Vancouver and Victoria, Bill is beginning to be seen by a wider audience.

When the first version of his band debuted, Victoria's Times-Colonist dubbed him "Victoria's Guitar Flame Thrower" after his performance at the International Jazz Festival. The title has stuck even though Johnson's style has matured. While his contemporaries have pursued FM rock's version of the blues, Bill's style is more that of yesteryear, citing his influences as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, Eric Clapton, and BB King.

Previously Bill Johnson has been heard with Vancouver Island's Auntie Kate on her debut CD, and then again on a collaborative blues CD featuring Bill. In 1998 Bill teamed up with Grammy Award Winning Texas Bluesman Don Johnson for the CD "Donald Ray". Songs from that CD are currently play-listed on cable's Galaxy Networks blues channels, and on CBC radio, as well as some US stations.

Bill is very proud of his band. Featuring the multi-talented Gary Preston on harp, piano, and voice, Rick Erickson on acoustic/electric bass, and Paul Nixon on drums. The versatility of this band is amazing and sure to please blues fans everywhere.

Info Courtesy of CD Isle http://www.cdisle.ca/ 

"Unknown to me until his name appeared on the ballot for guitar player of the year, Johnson came to the show and although he lost out to Sue Foley, he did impress during his guest appearance in the winners jam after the awards. He hails from Victoria, BC and he bought this CD with him, recorded live at the Central Bar & Grille there a couple of years ago. 

As with many live recordings, some of the songs are warhorses and are perhaps longer than they need to be for listening outside the context of the night. That being said, he's an exciting player, from the T-Bone Walker/B.B. King school, and he has a good band: Gary Preston, on keys, harp & vocals, Rick Erickson on bass and Paul Nixon on drums. The slow blues "Hurtin' Man" is a fine Johnson original and Preston contributes the excellent "I Feel Like Loving". Billy Branch's "How Can I Stand It?" is certainly not over-recorded nor is Duke Robillard's "Too Hot to Handle". The climax though is a treat: Papa Lightfoot's "Come On Baby", one of the most raucous Delta blues recordings you will ever hear, with its heavily distorted harp and vocals sung through the same mike. The band roars through this one, Preston is hot and Johnson tops it with his slide solo. The crowd loved it, you will too. 

Unfortunately, from his press kit it seems all except Erickson have moved on since that night. Still, the CD shows quite clearly why he was nominated. His web address is http://www.myspace.com/billjohnsonbluesband 

I can't emphasize enough how important it is for players to participate in events like the Awards or the Juno's. It's a most effective way to get your name out there."

Review Courtesy of John Valenteyn "John's Blues Picks" http://www.torontobluessociety.com/0702johnspicks.htm