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Arts & Music

Gimme Five! Justin Johnson

photo by Tom Tuttle from TriangleLive.tv

When it comes to gypsy, blues, and jazz, Justin Johnson knows how to lay down just about any lick you could want on his trusty guitar. He’s spent years honing his musical chops and experimenting with genre. But can he handle our five questions?  See for yourself after the jump.

1. If your music were a sandwich, what sort would it be?
When I think of a great sandwich (and I often do) I think of something that has the right balance of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Its even better if it is a bit exotic, but still has that touch of familiarity to tie things together. Thats what I try to represent with my music, a tastefully balanced combination of the exotic and familiar. The sandwich that I think of is the Veggie Pita Sandwich from Streets Deli. If you try it, you’ll know why it fits the bill.

2. What was the moment you first thought music was something you might like to try?
When I was in high school, my mom owned a local bar in Southport on the Cape Fear River called The Yacht Basin Tavern. I had only been playing guitar for a couple of years, and was really getting inspired by Blues music. One night a band named Armand and Bluesology was coming through town to perform at the Tavern. Armand heard that I was learning to play guitar, and was gracious enough to let me sit in with him that night for a couple of songs. That experience really solidified my passion for Blues music and live performance. I actually ran into Armand Lenchek last week at one of my shows at East 54, for the first time in over ten years, and got to thank him in person for his inspiration.

3. Describe “Gypsy Bluejazz.”
“Gypsy Bluejazz” is a phrase that was coined by my “Muse-ager” Nikki, to describe the combination of influences that I incorporate into my musical style. It particularly refers to our effort to fuse the exoticism and eeriness of European Gypsy Jazz with the raw soul and pain of traditional Blues, and the contagious back-porch vibe of Bluegrass. If you want me to describe what a “Muse-ager” is, that will have to be another article.

4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?
I draw constant inspiration from film scores and the link between visual art and music. When Nikki and I are really trying to define the feeling that a song should have, we almost always use stories and images to express the desired mood and tone. We feel like there is a very strong link between music and imagery, and are very exited about the idea of collaborating with filmmakers in the future.

5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (how’d that turn out?)
When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be an oceanographer, but the more I learned about what lived in the ocean, the less I wanted to step foot in the water. So, I think things turned out well. I get to play guitar every day and work alongside Nikki, and neither of us are in danger of shark attack!

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Shuffle down to The Pittsboro General Store to see Justin in action tonight, Thursday, June 23. And by all means give him a high five when you see him!