Johnnie Bassett

Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents

"Party My Blues Away"

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Johnnie Bassett is a marvelous performer. The editor of Real Blues called him "one of the finest blues/jazz guitarists of the decade." Listening to his latest cD makes one curious why such a skilled musician is not better known. Bassett has lived most of his life in Detroit. He’s been there since the late ‘40s when Hastings Street was giving Beale Street a run for its money.

Bassett’s guitar mastery stems from an eclectic history that includes stints with Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, Little Willie John, Tina Turner, Smokey Robinson and even Jimi Hendrix. His smooth, elegant style and velvet-coated urban sounds conjure up aural images of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King — two of his major influences. Although his first recordings were made in 1955, Bassett recorded his first album just three years ago. Since then, he’s recorded two more and his latest is a real treasure.

Party My Blues Away is a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. The Blues Insurgents’ tight horn and organ–driven backup is perfect for Johnnie’s cool guitar, harmonica and warm vocals. The band shuffles, stomps, and boogaloos through a collection of outstanding originals.

Particularly likeable are the laid-back call Your Mama’s Name, and a gorgeous ballad, Wonderin’ Blues — a song with the feel of an instant classic.

In 1994, the Detroit Blues Society gave Johnnie Bassett a lifetime achievement award. This year he received five W.c. Handy nominations for his 1998 album, cadillac Blues. More nominations and awards are certainly on the way for Party My Blues Away. It should also bring some long overdue national recognition for this captivating entertainer.

Norman Davis