Bruce Mississippi Johnson gave an outstanding performance to the delight of his audience at the 606 Club.
My wife and I knew very little about Bruce when we took our seats for his show and during the evening we knew none of the songs that he sang. Despite being unfamiliar with the music we had an enjoyable evening.
Bruce played two sets featuring songs from his debut album ‘The Deal Baby’, some new material and some of the songs by artists he admired such as Freddie King, Johnny Guitar Watson and Gil Scott Heron. His songs were mainly blues based with some funk and soul. He has a rich toned voice, which is in the lower baritone register.
We gained an insight into Bruce’s life. He told stories about growing up in Mississippi, his time in the Marines, serving in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) where he started singing, living in Paris and now London.
He was supported by an excellent band including Carl Hudson (keyboards), Pat West and Dan Smith (guitars), Carl Stanbridge (bass), Pete Eckford (percussion) and Russ Parker (drums) together with a sax player and trumpeter.
There were many vocal highlights including his own ‘You Been Working Mojo’ and ‘ I’m Gonna Bring Your Game Down’ and Gil Scott Heron’s ‘Home Is Where The Hatred Is.
This was a highly enjoyable night of music. I would recommend Bruce to anybody who enjoys the Blues and funky music.
Johns London Music Reviews 