New Guitarist For The Johnsons

Hull band, The Johnsons have parted company with Jon Paul guitarist for the last year. However in order to take advantage of the special buzz around the band at the moment they have very quickly brought in a Leeds based musician called Ben. Ben used to play bass with Room 3 around Blackburn, and also managed (for a few months) a Darwin band called the reserved. During the Darwin Music Live festival for the jubilee celebrations he found himself standing in for their bassist.

Now based in Leeds he is studying for an MA in Cultural Studies at the University, and getting involved with the local music scene via New Slang (the Student radio station).

Ben describes his musical tastes -derived from his mothers love for Al Green and the like- as eclectic. "Had a long spell obsessed by the Beatles then onto Jeff Buckley, then Incubus. More recently, I have enjoyed the Kaisers and the Arctic Monkeys. as well as, on the more folky side, Ray Lamontagne and Regina Spektor. When I need to do my course work though, I love a bit of Stan Getz and Miles Davis. My guitar style was influenced heavily by my guitar guru of sorts Tony Thorpe of Rubettes fame who introduced me to Jazz guitar and the importance of feel. Ben has known Dan (The Johnsons drummer) for a few years and currently shares a house with him in Leeds.

He says he was happy to attempt to fill Jon Pauls' shoes when asked. "The Johnsons for me have great potential and I hope to bring a new energy without spoiling their already anthemic style."

The Johnsons would like it known that they haven't fallen out with Jon Paul; the reason for them parting company is due to Jon's other commitments and the fact he is unable to give the band his full attention anymore. This is one of the last pictures taken of the old line up during last month's Transit Tour. Ben has seen the band play a number of times and is looking forward to playing with them. In the future he may also get involved in the writing process. Matt lead singer says,

"We're all pretty excited about the band again now, got our buzz back etc, going to go all at it and try making something of it, and ourselves!" See The Johnsons headline the Sesh Linnet and Lark Dec 12th alongside Lost City Ramblers and Riley and The Mumps For gigs and more info check www.myspace.com/thejohnsonsuk

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