The great blues singer and guitarist Johnny Nicholas was in NYC last week for a rare show at Hill Country, previewing songs from his fortcoming LP ‘Future Blues.’ He totally slayed, abetted by his two former Alseep at the Wheel bandmates Cindy Cashdollar and Tony Garnier.
Here’s a shot of L-R Shore Fire’s Tyler Cannon and Chris Taillie, Johnny, and myself.
Between sets, Johnny shared some amazing stories about hanging with Howlin’ Wolf, and also confirmed that his recording debut was on the great Atlantic live LP ‘The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival 1972,’ a monster record that has occupied a place of pride in my collection for years. Nicholas was playing in Johnny Shines’ band at the time and you can hear him on Shines’ version of “Dust My Broom.”
I snooped around and couldn’t find that particular cut, but here’s a few others (including Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland and Shore Fire’s own Dr. John!) from the same LP:
