Profile Image: The Bill Johnson Blues Band

The Bill Johnson Blues Band

Canadian Blues from Victoria BC
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Bio
Events (89)
Photos (29)
Videos (0)
Albums (0)
Roster (11)
Articles (2)
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About

The Bill Johnson Blues Band

since circa 1993
Bill Johnson of Victoria BC on Vancouver Island, began playing guitar at the age of nine. Part of a musical and artistic family, he had wanted to play music like those around him. Between his uncle a fine Country and Western guitarist, and brother a Blues harmonica player, and even the neighbours, there were lots of great sounds happening around him. The insolation of island life has a way of contributing to unique abilities. For Bill it lead to combining all he heard into his own brand of soul-thumping blues. At first his guitar caught the ear of a few great band leaders. As a sideman those bands have included some ledgendary and well respected respected blues artists including: Hubert Sumlin, Cash McCall, Son Seals, Donald Ray Johnson, Rita Chiarelli, Big Dave McLean, Dutch Mason, Suzy Vinnick, and David Vest. Presented solo on acoustic guitar, or with his band, he has opened shows for Otis Rush, James Cotton, Dr John, Paul Rogers, Keb Mo, Colin Linden, and so many more.
When the opportunity came along to start his own group in 1993, the band, a trio with Joby Baker (drums) and Casey Ryder (bass) played their first show opening for blues legend Otis Rush at the Victoria International Jazz Festival. The band received such high praise after the event in the local news paper they became an instant success in BC’s Capital. Whether solo, or performing with a band, playing traditionaly or with a slide, his ability to create beautiful tones and a passion for the blues is instantly apparent. Even though he has only scratched the surface in traveling Canada, a Juno nomination in 2012, and four Maple Blues Award nominations have earned him a lasting place among the countries top blues artists. In 2016 Bill, now 52, released Cold Outside. That CD reached the position of #2 on the Canadian College radio charts. With many passionate reviews, it’s also finding airplay around the world. His belief that the blues can still be relevant in everyone's lives leaves the cotton fields behind and tackles many modern subjects with compassion and humour. From country blues to a blast of electrified energy, his show is not to be missed. It's often said within the many reviews of his music that Bill is worthy of far greater recognition. Now with every new town and performance also come many new and, amazed fans. It seems the world is beginning to discover Bill Johnson.
Jazz/Blues
Available for Shows/Gigs
View Roster (11)

Audio Samples

Fishin With Your Boots On
Baggage Blues
Cold Outside
Angeleen
Another One (Pour Me)
It Takes Experience
Half The Man
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Contact this Band
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Community Events

Past Events

16
Dec
2018
15:00 19:30
Remembering Jason Buie Yuletide Blues: The Deb Rhymer Band, SP & Johnny's Rhumba...
An annual Christmas party and fundraiser for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. Admissi...
By Donation
V-lounge
Event can be attended in person
18
Nov
2017
18:00 23:59
Bluestravaganza: The Bill Johnson Blues Band, McKinley Wolf, Lazy Mike & the Ro...
 
$10
V-lounge
Event can be attended in person
29
Sep
2017
20:00
JW-Jones: JW-Jones, The Bill Johnson Blues Band
IBC Winner and JUNO Award Nominee and Billboard Top 10 Blues artist JW-Jones tou...
$16
V-lounge
Event can be attended in person
04
May
2017
20:00
Original West Coast Blues: The Bill Johnson Blues Band, The John Pippus Band
Bill Johnson Blues Band JUNO Nominee, Maple Blues Nominee (4X), and well respec...
$15
Copper Owl
Event can be attended in person
27
Apr
2017
19:30
The Bill Johnson Band: The Bill Johnson Blues Band
I am priveledged and elated to welcome Bill Johnson and his band in a limited en...
$10-$15
426 Williams Street, Vic West
Event can be attended in person
10
Feb
2017
19:30
Valentine Celebrations: The Bill Johnson Blues Band, CURL, Rhymer and Wells
We're throwing a party to celebrate the magic of St. Valentine. First enjoy snac...
$22-$25
Ukrainian Cultural Centre
Event can be attended in person
03
Sep
2015
21:00 12:00
The Bill Johnson Blues Band
Bi-monthly house gig at Swan's Brew Pub, where the full band stretches its music...
Swans Brewpub
Event can be attended in person
18
Jul
2015
19:00 23:00
Traveling Roadshow "Double Bill!": The Bill Johnson Blues Band, CURL, Paul Kilshaw
Magic Man Paul Kilshaw will dazzle patrons with an amazing assortment of spells ...
Hermann's Jazz Club
Event can be attended in person
14
Feb
2015
19:00 11:30
The Bill Johnson Blues Band, CURL, Paradise Street, The Hardly Boys
Valentine's Special Travelling Roadshow Enjoy roadshow-style entertainment un...
$20
Sons of Norway
Event can be attended in person
28
Nov
2014
20:00 23:00
Seasonal Concer: The Bill Johnson Blues Band, Seasonal Concert
Victoria's own Bill Johnson performs material from his JUNO nominated CD as well...
$15-$18
Hermann's Jazz Club
Event can be attended in person
14
Feb
2014
19:30 11:00
You are cordially invited to a VALENTINE'S EVENING SOCIAL at Hermann's Jazz and ...
DOORS: 5:30 | Music 7:30 Roses for the ladies, and romantic door prize! ...
$20
Hermann's Jazz Club
Event can be attended in person
15
Dec
2012
20:00
The Bill Johnson Blues Band
 
$5
Upper Deck (in the Gorge Travelodge)
Event can be attended in person
04
Dec
2011
16:00 01:00
Harpdog Brown Band (with ), Slim & The Dueces, The Bill Johnson Blues Band, The ...
 
Yuletide Blues@Club 919 (Strathcona)
Event can be attended in person
05
Nov
2011
16:00 00:00
Islander - Victoria, DOCTOR BONES BLUES PROJECT, Daveelectro and The Gmen, The D...
Come Support Victoria Blues Society in keeping Blues alive in Victoria!
$20
Upper Deck (in the Gorge Travelodge)
Event can be attended in person
05
Nov
2011
16:00 11:00
BLUESTRAVAGANZA: The Bill Johnson Blues Band, McKinley Wolf, HARRIS GILMORE & TH...
A day of Blues will showcase 8 local bands during 8 hours of music. A Silen...
$20
Upper Deck (in the Gorge Travelodge)
Event can be attended in person
09
Apr
2011
21:00 01:00
Bill Johnson Blues Band w/special guests Lazy Mike & the Rockin' REcliners: The ...
 
$25-$28
Coombs Rodeo Grounds Dance Hall
Event can be attended in person
16
Jan
2011
19:00 23:00
An Evening at Harpo's with The Bill Johnson Blues Band: The Bill Johnson Blues B...
The Upstairs Cabaret will once again become Victoria's favourite venue for live ...
$10
The Upstairs Cabaret
Event can be attended in person
04
Dec
2010
20:00 12:00
Live Blues Saturday: The Bill Johnson Blues Band
 
Free
Upper Deck (in the Gorge Travelodge)
Event can be attended in person
05
Sep
2010
16:00 17:15
The Bill Johnson Blues Band
 
Free
Ship Point (Inner Harbour)
Event can be attended in person
View All Past Events (89)

Current Lineup

Rick Erickson
Bass
2004 - present
John R Hunter
Drums
2006 - present
Darcy Phillips
Keyboards
2008 - present
Ross Hall
Drums
2013 - present

Past Members

Kelly Kruise
Drums
1993 - 1999
Casey Dennis
Bass
1993 - 1996
Tom Knowles
Bass
1996 - 1999
Deb Power
Keyboards
1996 - 1998
GARY PRESTON
Harmonica, Keyboards
2002 - 2007
Paul Nixon
Drums
2004 - 2006
Brendon Hedley
Keyboards
2007 - 2008

Band Articles

Still Blue Reveiw
Bill Johnson has made a fantastic release that we highly recommend.
Read Article
Author: Bluesy Luc - Belgium
Published by: Rootstime Online Radio and Magazine
Best Of 2016
Best of 2016: The Garage received a lot of blues CDs this year and all of them were above standard, but ultimately had to be judged for other reasons of personality, believability, skill and versatility, etc. Take a bow Michael Kaeshammer a...
Read Article
Published by: The Vancouver Sun
Author: Tom Harrison

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