Robert “Billy” Johnson

The guitarist Robert “Billy” Johnson is really a name to become reckoned with in reggae but shouldn’t be confused with a somewhat younger performer of the same name and nickname whose Bay Region activities included stints with Santana and John Lee Hooker. Reggae picker Johnson initial came to interest within Lee “Damage” Perry’s documenting crew within the ’70s, showing up on many albums which are regarded classics within the genre. Center from the Congos may be the only comprehensive record ever made with the duo referred to as the Congos, nonetheless it provides received more compliment than a whole stack of edges with the Wailers. It’s been described as among the ten greatest albums available within this genre and a landmark, although used literally it really is doubtful the record would even end up being visible at all around the tops of hemp plant life as well as other multi-colored island vegetation. Actually, it really is lucky the record was heard in any way due to the fact it wasn’t officially released until twenty years after it had been recorded. Johnson frequently performed in tandem using the superb guitarist Ernest Ranglin. The efforts of the players may seem small to guitar supporters raised on rock solos or countless jazz noodling, however the chordal upstroke that assists define reggae certainly should get the support of the slogan such as for example “don’t knock it till you’ve attempted it,” nevertheless clichéd as that may appear. Like Ranglin, Johnson continuing his career within the ensuing years, often operating from a Western base. He actually stretches out and will be offering a few acoustic guitar solos on recordings by organizations such as for example Amparanoia.