My late uncle Jess Halstead had a lap steel exactly like that. I used to play it when we’d go visit. He had a stroke and lost his ability to speak, but we didn’t need words to communicate. Just that old lap steel. Thanks for the music and the memories.
I'm a song writer and I find it incredibly impressive that instrumentalists can write so many pieces that aren't improvised and remember all the parts. My lyrics are what guide me through the music I write. I guess it's similar. Still patterns to follow and let you know where you're at but still. Well done Justin and all those who can do this.
TUCKED UNDER MY BLANKETS IN SOME NEW SUPER SOFT JAMMIES. THE MARES ARE QUIETLY WHINNEYING TO THEIR NEW BABES.THE CATTLE ARE SOFTLY LOWING TO THEIR NEW CALVES. A ROBIN IS EVEN DOING A SOFT MORNING SONG. I CAN EVEN HEAR THE NESTING CANADA GEESE ;TALKING' BETWEEN THE NESTS ALONG THE CREEK. IT IS ALL ENOUGH TO GET ME NATURALLY BLISSED OUT. YOU ANDTHAT INSTRUMENT WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER JUSTIN. OLLY HAD THE RIGHT IDEA...AN ALBUM....HUGSSSSS
Empty hand, whaddya got, slide gutar, whaddya got. Music is the Muse, runs through your fingers and everlives. As if it was always there for you. Kinda feels that way but scrutiny reveals. It was Always you. Rock On.
Wow, man. You had me on the first lick. Outstanding. To quote Nigel Tufnel: “It's part of a trilogy, a musical trilogy I'm working on in D minor which is the saddest of all keys, I find. People weep instantly when they hear it, and I don't know why.”
With tonight's waning crescent, where just a sliver of the moon shines, the faint lunar glow reflects off of the moist hair like plant that hangs from the tall oak trees of the bayou.. As if there's someone there in the dark, moving with the gentle breeze.
And there he was. The Old King Of The Swamp. A large man, wearing little more than a pair of overalls, tinted sunglasses and a large straw hat. With him were his two alligator companions. Bessie and Beaufort. Silently they roamed this large span of the bayou. For it was his.
@@Wilshare Indeed, as we all are grateful for this humble bard who provides us with "harmony". Harmony, derived from the Greek verb ἁρμόζω harmozō, "(Ι) fit together, join". The Beauty of reverberating airwaves whose certain vibrations are such as they fuse together. Harmony, like the Sun and New Moon that will rise and set together tomorrow at dawn and dusk. Harmony, which echoes through our ears and into our hearts, soothing our souls, and quieting our minds through the struggle of life. "Fit together", like Bessie and Beaufort wandering the bayou with old "Grey Beard", knowing that humans are the Paragon of animals! The Beauty of the World! And that this human wandering the expanse of the bayou is "The Old King Of The Swamp." And yes, for it was his. And thus, through harmony, assuages the savagery of pain and discord.
You're walking. You can feel your broken bones crackling, but you keep on walking through this godforsaken city. Everyone has left you. Either dead or caught in the crossfire. You get to a bar. It's empty. All empty except for a woman, all dressed in red and black. You sit down opposite her. You examine her. She looks.... She doesn't look like much at all. Alluring though. "Smoke?" You take one cigarette out the box. Then another. "You owe me one." She lights it for you. You slowly take a drag as you close your eyes. As you open them, you feel her pallid lips touching yours. Half a minute goes by. "How much?" You ask. "You know how much." You look at her. There's trust in your eyes. "The usual then." You exit the bar. Cigarette smoke filling your lungs as you take another drag. You feel the aching. But it feels good. It's all you're gonna be able to feel for the following days.
Feels to me more smooth and meditative (or mesmerising? evocative?) than "haunted" or "creepy," then again, I'm up by the Baltic Sea with no swamps around. Love that looooong sustain; would be great to hear a few more tunes before you give it back to John :)
Wow Justin that's mesmerising... The way you play that is so fluid it makes it seem that there's no conscious thought as you're moving up and down the neck, you're simply feeling the melodies and conveying them... That's what I hear anyway, utterly enchanting mate thank you. That's as smooth as buttermilk ☺️👍
I have said this before and I will say it now. This is such a hauntingly beautiful piece. Thank you Justin for taking me away from this mad world for a while. Without a doubt, you are one very special person, given a beautiful gift from God. You are amazing.❤️
I don't care what anyone says. Justin is the greatest guitarist in the world! He can play any song on any guitar or anything with strings on it and totally blow your mind in new and exciting ways. And his prowess never ceases to amaze! Truly a master of his craft.
UMM BECAUSE HE IS AT ONE WITH HIS INSTRUMENTS...NATURAL,NOT FORCED. IT IS A KIND OF LOVE NOT OF THIS WORLD. BLESS HIM FOR SHARING HIS INNER LIGHT WITH US.
Simply dark & beautiful. Glad I found you on the Tube, Justin. Wish I found you and your muic at the start of lockdown. Still crawling my way through the swamp. 😁
Soooooo smooth and flowing! Makes my knees weak. Justin Johnson your dynamics are INSANE! your playingis SO CLEAN and POLISHED and RESONATING. I just can't say enough great things about your craft and the hauntingly beautiful sounds you produce
It sounds like souls crying yet full of hope ... yer fucking amazing dude I just bought a Godin Seagull S6 original slim with cedar top, a silver leaf maple neck so I can use it to practice along with your tutorials ... thank you for sharing your incredible insights in the world of acoustic guitars peace brother , keep rockin it
This sounds like heat, humidity, broken souls, the inability to escape. It sounds like Spanish moss blowing in the wind. Like back breaking slavery. How can a song so perfectly encapsulate place and experience. I’m not a slave or a decedent from slave, but that’s what comes to mind listening to this.
You should check out my album "Bootleg Series Vol. 3: Son of a Witch" it a has a lot of this dark swamp blues vibe on it. You can find it here: www.justinjohnsonstore.com
The rain cloud just passed, then night is dank but a fresh scent mixed with the autumn ushering in coolers temperatures. The clouds obscure the moon, but the light pierces the darkness. Venus sets as Jupiter ascends. Great soundtrack for tonight!!!!
Wait, what? Justin Johnson is the son of Johnny Cash?! I mean I can imagine there is some genetic factor to him being that good, but seriously, if his father had been a random Walmart employees, I wouldn't have been any less impressed.
Whatever we call it : it's a masterpiece played on some iconic instrument by the wizzard himself ! Magical sound , and it's telling a story to every one .
Suddenly I find myself in the middle of the Green Swamp at 2:00 in the morning, the batteries on my flash light are dying. I hear something coming. Thanks JJ, awesome as usual.
It sounds so freaking good, and I’ve listened to a lot of music over the years. Please put these perfect pieces of music on some album, I’ll buy it instantly. Thanks, Mr. Johnson.
I wish like hell I could have some back porch friendly sessions with JJ but I'm not that skilled and talented so that's why I just listen and enjoy, my favorite music and artist after coming home from work. Thank you Lord for JJ and people like him.
Great track. Reminds me of the Australian tv series called Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms. I grew up where this took place. Similar tone throughout the series, really adds some context.
Just floating on a mind cloud, Holding on for the Thunder clap ! Your therapist has just left the arena. Thank you very kindly Justin for the beautiful creations that you make and adapt to be so soul realigning it just blows the average person’s mind/
Hi from England, I love the sound of these steel guitars. Especially when played by the expert that this man is. I have two pedal steels, and a lap steel.
I hear a little "when the children cry" in this... And a little "John the revelator" like Curtis Stigers did for sons of anarchy with the quasi drone going on. Very cool.
I would be honored eternally and grateful for any of JJ'S music to be played at my wake when I'm gone I've loved steel top guitars and laptops my whole life but in the early days it wasn't so easy to find it? You had to be a hardcore vinyl hunter, I truly believe there's nobody better than JJ, hand on my heart.
an album filled with the darkest solo tracks would be mind-blowing
I would buy a JJ Swamp collection
YES
Amen brother
Yes, need it for those hot summer nights
Oh yea, I'd buy an album filled with all these gorgeous swampy dark blues!! Sweet!! & Yummy!!
So addicted to this song...
My late uncle Jess Halstead had a lap steel exactly like that. I used to play it when we’d go visit. He had a stroke and lost his ability to speak, but we didn’t need words to communicate. Just that old lap steel. Thanks for the music and the memories.
Aww bless lovely story that bless you both
Whenever I see "Dark Swamp Blues" in the title, I get excited.
ME TOO! But it might be cause I live next to a dark swamp. I'm a Cajun me! Justin never disappoints!
Yes Ma’am 🖤😎💯
Yeah it gives me a chub when I see dark swamp blues....love the haunting tones
ikr
Really? I get excited too. Maybe we could get together and listen to some dark swamp blues and get excited together??
I don't know...., just a thought
Sit down, dim the lights, turn the damn tv off, just listen and relax. Love your music. Thanks
Doing it right now. 😁
Like a concert in bed!! The internet ain’t always so bad :))
Amen to that turn all off leave this on on a cold stormy nigh
How does this man put so much soul in his music with what appears to be no effort? He is truly gifted.
Musta been traditional and signed a contract at the crossroads...
I KNOW HUH??? :D I CAN CRINGE WHEN SOME ASKS WHAT MY TALENT IS...GUESS WHO POPS INTO MY BRAIN????LOL
TRULY GIFTED
Practice lots n lots of Practice
It almost "seems " like the "answer" to Your question is sort of answered IN your comment?
This is a FAVORITE OF MINE
I'm a song writer and I find it incredibly impressive that instrumentalists can write so many pieces that aren't improvised and remember all the parts. My lyrics are what guide me through the music I write. I guess it's similar. Still patterns to follow and let you know where you're at but still. Well done Justin and all those who can do this.
but Justin is truly one of a kind!
This is improvised. Its a simple 5 note scale.
There are a handful of basic Blues Progressions . The rest is spicing up the fills and transitions .
This is a track where you just sit back and enjoy
With a whiskey glass filled with your favorite brand and a really good cigar.
Shot of top shelf sippin tequila, a doobie, and close my eyes n fade away to it!
Yes. Exactly ..lounging in a chair outside in the Florida sun
@@kimw.9303 Right there with you.
TUCKED UNDER MY BLANKETS IN SOME NEW SUPER SOFT JAMMIES. THE MARES ARE QUIETLY WHINNEYING TO THEIR NEW BABES.THE CATTLE ARE SOFTLY LOWING TO THEIR NEW CALVES. A ROBIN IS EVEN DOING A SOFT MORNING SONG. I CAN EVEN HEAR THE NESTING CANADA GEESE ;TALKING' BETWEEN THE NESTS ALONG THE CREEK. IT IS ALL ENOUGH TO GET ME NATURALLY BLISSED OUT. YOU ANDTHAT INSTRUMENT WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER JUSTIN. OLLY HAD THE RIGHT IDEA...AN ALBUM....HUGSSSSS
Dark Swamp Blues & Spanish Moss...that makes me Happy...😍🎸🌿
Empty hand, whaddya got, slide gutar, whaddya got. Music is the Muse, runs through your fingers and everlives. As if it was always there for you. Kinda feels that way but scrutiny reveals. It was Always you. Rock On.
I need a vinyl record of your stuff. I could listen to it all day.
Hi, here's where you can get everything Justin Johnson including vinyl justinjohnsonstore.com/
I Second that motion!
Got one. & I do.
Wow, man. You had me on the first lick. Outstanding.
To quote Nigel Tufnel: “It's part of a trilogy, a musical trilogy I'm working on in D minor which is the saddest of all keys, I find. People weep instantly when they hear it, and I don't know why.”
This should be the theme song for the "Contract of San Venganza" in Ghost Rider.
Or the song henry heck plays to frank castle even! Either would be fitting!
With tonight's waning crescent, where just a sliver of the moon shines, the faint lunar glow reflects off of the moist hair like plant that hangs from the tall oak trees of the bayou.. As if there's someone there in the dark, moving with the gentle breeze.
And there he was. The Old King Of The Swamp. A large man, wearing little more than a pair of overalls, tinted sunglasses and a large straw hat. With him were his two alligator companions. Bessie and Beaufort. Silently they roamed this large span of the bayou. For it was his.
NEW MOONS AND FULL MOONS BRING THE PAIN OF MIGRAINES. THIS IS THE MUSIC THAT SOOTHES THE SAVAGE PAIN. I AM SOOOO GRATEFULL FOR THIS HUMBLE BARD.
@@Wilshare Indeed, as we all are grateful for this humble bard who provides us with "harmony". Harmony, derived from the Greek verb ἁρμόζω harmozō, "(Ι) fit together, join". The Beauty of reverberating airwaves whose certain vibrations are such as they fuse together. Harmony, like the Sun and New Moon that will rise and set together tomorrow at dawn and dusk. Harmony, which echoes through our ears and into our hearts, soothing our souls, and quieting our minds through the struggle of life. "Fit together", like Bessie and Beaufort wandering the bayou with old "Grey Beard", knowing that humans are the Paragon of animals! The Beauty of the World! And that this human wandering the expanse of the bayou is "The Old King Of The Swamp." And yes, for it was his. And thus, through harmony, assuages the savagery of pain and discord.
Don't stop now, I love a good story with atmosphere.
Traveler state your business....for it must be very important to wander into my domain.
Just effing beautiful. I just closed my eyes and let my imagination wander to this piece. Thanks Justin.
I feel like this has a cosmic, planetary sound reminiscent of some of the stuff on Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality album
Perfect song for coffee and a joint 👌
I'm imagining this in a blockbuster movie . It's like.... wow awesome 😎 thank you Justin
The mist is setting in...gators are growling...spirits are howling...SWAMPY!! Love it!👀🕸🕷🐍💀☠️
Mosquitoes and flies swarm.
Anda SWAMP WOLF IS ONDA PROWL! LOOK OTT CHEW!
You're walking. You can feel your broken bones crackling, but you keep on walking through this godforsaken city. Everyone has left you. Either dead or caught in the crossfire.
You get to a bar. It's empty. All empty except for a woman, all dressed in red and black. You sit down opposite her. You examine her. She looks.... She doesn't look like much at all. Alluring though.
"Smoke?"
You take one cigarette out the box. Then another.
"You owe me one."
She lights it for you. You slowly take a drag as you close your eyes. As you open them, you feel her pallid lips touching yours. Half a minute goes by.
"How much?" You ask.
"You know how much."
You look at her. There's trust in your eyes.
"The usual then."
You exit the bar. Cigarette smoke filling your lungs as you take another drag. You feel the aching. But it feels good. It's all you're gonna be able to feel for the following days.
Feels to me more smooth and meditative (or mesmerising? evocative?) than "haunted" or "creepy," then again, I'm up by the Baltic Sea with no swamps around. Love that looooong sustain; would be great to hear a few more tunes before you give it back to John :)
Wow Justin that's mesmerising... The way you play that is so fluid it makes it seem that there's no conscious thought as you're moving up and down the neck, you're simply feeling the melodies and conveying them... That's what I hear anyway, utterly enchanting mate thank you. That's as smooth as buttermilk ☺️👍
😳 The POWAAA of the dark slide of the force, is strong with this one 🤘
I have said this before and I will say it now. This is such a hauntingly beautiful piece. Thank you Justin for taking me away from this mad world for a while. Without a doubt, you are one very special person, given a beautiful gift from God. You are amazing.❤️
I don't care what anyone says. Justin is the greatest guitarist in the world! He can play any song on any guitar or anything with strings on it and totally blow your mind in new and exciting ways. And his prowess never ceases to amaze! Truly a master of his craft.
UMM BECAUSE HE IS AT ONE WITH HIS INSTRUMENTS...NATURAL,NOT FORCED. IT IS A KIND OF LOVE NOT OF THIS WORLD. BLESS HIM FOR SHARING HIS INNER LIGHT WITH US.
Clapton is still alive...but this is amazing
@@sharpshooter3195 buckethead?
He is definitely one of the masters of the guitar and guitar related objects.
Simply dark & beautiful. Glad I found you on the Tube, Justin. Wish I found you and your muic at the start of lockdown. Still crawling my way through the swamp. 😁
Both enchanting and haunting ... it beckons my soul. Way to go, Justin.
A trip to a far off land. Love it. You have sent me on a path of learning "lockdown slide" for which I will be forever grateful.
Sounds like an ancient chinese melody played on guqin... Beautiful. Cheers Justin, love your music!
It makes me feel like I'm deep in the swamp late at night.
I live in Moscow, but now I feel like I'm somewhere in Nevada... Thank you for your great work, Justin.
Why NEVADA????
I'm not Alexskie , but I'm guessing he's feeling the Old West vibe influenced by spaghetti westerns .
@@veraregina4525 Don't know... I feel so.
@@alekseiklopkov5515 Or Nashville, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Dakota and etc.....👏👏👏👏👍💖
Hair is standing where there ain’t no hair - need this on a CD ASAP!
Justin, again you have proven your prowess on all things stringed! Beautifully done, my friend south of the 49th....Cheers, Rob
Soooooo smooth and flowing! Makes my knees weak.
Justin Johnson your dynamics are INSANE! your playingis SO CLEAN and POLISHED and RESONATING. I just can't say enough great things about your craft and the hauntingly beautiful sounds you produce
Cierro los ojos y me sumerjo en ese océano profundo, insondable e infinito que es tu música. Gracias JJ! ❤️🇦🇷
It sounds like souls crying yet full of hope ... yer fucking amazing dude I just bought a Godin Seagull S6 original slim with cedar top, a silver leaf maple neck so I can use it to practice along with your tutorials ... thank you for sharing your incredible insights in the world of acoustic guitars peace brother , keep rockin it
Open Dm the saddest of all tunings. Great playing, great sounds, very haunting melody.
This sounds like heat, humidity, broken souls, the inability to escape. It sounds like Spanish moss blowing in the wind. Like back breaking slavery. How can a song so perfectly encapsulate place and experience. I’m not a slave or a decedent from slave, but that’s what comes to mind listening to this.
There's something satisfying about the sound of a slide
very Leveau-ish, back in the darkest swamp... sounds great Justin
Oooh! Creepy, swampy love it! I’m listening to this right in the morning, it’s raining but this is my gift for today. 🎸🤘
Brilliant! And reminded me a bit of Ry Cooder's meditative soundtrack from "Paris, Texas"
An absolute dark tune but soothing at the same time , Justin you Never disappoint , thanks for another great piece of music.
I can't get enough of this kind of song Justin! Truly haunting in a great way!
Swap music done the way it should be. Perfection
Love it!!!! Haunting, dark, mysterious.
Justin you sir are on another level with the slide. It makes my soul stir and gives me chills. 🤘❤🍻
Hauntingly beautiful. Once again you have proven why you are the best. Keep up the great music.
I live on a mesa, no water anywhere in site and this music gives me goosebumps bumps!
That instrument's tone and sustain are incredible. Thank you. -C
Perfect! I would love an entire record of this, such a pleasant vibe
You should check out my album "Bootleg Series Vol. 3: Son of a Witch" it a has a lot of this dark swamp blues vibe on it. You can find it here: www.justinjohnsonstore.com
I could listen to this all day.
The rain cloud just passed, then night is dank but a fresh scent mixed with the autumn ushering in coolers temperatures. The clouds obscure the moon, but the light pierces the darkness. Venus sets as Jupiter ascends. Great soundtrack for tonight!!!!
this here is my blues Mecca; absolutely immersed body, mind and soul
I love the reverb I'm learning to play slide your my biggest influence JJ I love the Blue's ☮️☯️😎👍
Justin is inspiring me to play guitar again and I'm improving a lot by practicing new stuff and learning music theory. Even got new acoustic guitar.🤩
Unbelievable skills - best ever - thanks for letting us listen !
My man Justin, just casually name dropping Johnny Cash's son like its no big. You da man, Justin.
Not just Johnny's son , but also an excellent producer .
Wait, what? Justin Johnson is the son of Johnny Cash?!
I mean I can imagine there is some genetic factor to him being that good, but seriously, if his father had been a random Walmart employees, I wouldn't have been any less impressed.
@@otherpatrickgill no the person he borrowed the lap steel from is Johnny Cash's son
Whatever we call it : it's a masterpiece played on some iconic instrument by the wizzard himself ! Magical sound , and it's telling a story to every one .
Bro, this is so creepy but relaxing at the same time..
I can totally picture a tragic slow motion gunfight in a western movie going down to this song
So much atmosphere. goose-bumps here. Amazing!
Dammit Justin...you gotta put all this dark stuff on a loooong record. This is blues for me. It's just amazing...
Oh some badass sixgun. Riding slowly thru the town wind blowing the dust. Sun dried skin etc etc
Suddenly I find myself in the middle of the Green Swamp at 2:00 in the morning, the batteries on my flash light are dying. I hear something coming. Thanks JJ, awesome as usual.
I always like these type of blues I'd say this is what I like more
It sounds so freaking good, and I’ve listened to a lot of music over the years. Please put these perfect pieces of music on some album, I’ll buy it instantly. Thanks, Mr. Johnson.
Perfect soundtrack to my mornin' coffee, along with the low rumble from a passing thunderstorm. Tis gonna be a fine day...yes sir.
Another Dimension 🤘😎🔥🎸🥃🥃
I was today year's old when TH-cam recommended this. LOVE IT! Sub'd right away.
We really need an actual metal album of this and your beaitiful guitar behind you.
Yep, I concur. That sweet ol' lap steel is HAUNTED. Chills...down...my...spine! 🖤
Very relaxing! Earphones in and laid in the dark 👍
I wish like hell I could have some back porch friendly sessions with JJ but I'm not that skilled and talented so that's why I just listen and enjoy, my favorite music and artist after coming home from work. Thank you Lord for JJ and people like him.
Great track. Reminds me of the Australian tv series called Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms. I grew up where this took place. Similar tone throughout the series, really adds some context.
Just floating on a mind cloud, Holding on for the Thunder clap !
Your therapist has just left the arena. Thank you very kindly Justin for the beautiful creations that you make and adapt to be so soul realigning it just blows the average person’s mind/
This track before or after Viscounts Harlem Nocturne. Epic. Love this. Thanks Justin.
That’s just so hauntingly gorgeous Justin. Thank you.
So many videos being released ! All of them are top notch ! I listen to them in loop
Reminds me of the old Clint Eastwood's Spanish country westerners.
Yes it does.
Spaghetti
Some of my fav movies. Clint was such a cool guy!!!
I think those were Italian westerns not Spanish
@@isreallong3824 I stand corrected.
Boy, you make that steel sing like none other!! Bravo! This is definetly in my saved Justin Johnson folder!
Not one dislike. You’re bringing tears to my eyes.
Hey, this was good for me. It resonates with my haunted self and I remember. It is a peaceful place. Love to y'all, m.m.
Such a god of the strings
even the wind plays his hair
I like the Fender Slide. Justin makes it sound so awesomely beautiful.
It definitely sounds haunted all right. Like an abandoned mansion in New Orleans.
Hell yeah
Justin Johnson, that right thar is nothing short of PURE WICKED!
Aloha again from Hawaii my friend
Hi from England, I love the sound of these steel guitars. Especially when played by the expert that this man is. I have two pedal steels, and a lap steel.
You never cease to amaze me, buddy. Thanks for sharing.
If it’s got strings, Justin can play it. Awesome
I hear a little "when the children cry" in this... And a little "John the revelator" like Curtis Stigers did for sons of anarchy with the quasi drone going on. Very cool.
Left a dark "Turquoise Trail" on my soul ...
Mmm Just Setting Here, "J J " Mellowing with my Jar a J.D. Taking It All In ! Bravo Brother ! ATB T God Bless
R-e-a-l easy on the ears... beautiful to just listen to and lose yourself in the sound. "Haunted"... good word.
Awesome music to go along with the fabulous portrait of you that my soul make sketched for me for Mother's Day.
So much darkness, so much joy!
I would be honored eternally and grateful for any of JJ'S music to be played at my wake when I'm gone I've loved steel top guitars and laptops my whole life but in the early days it wasn't so easy to find it? You had to be a hardcore vinyl hunter, I truly believe there's nobody better than JJ, hand on my heart.
Absolutely amazing Justin! "I'm drifting further and further away"...🎶🎶🎶
This sounds like a track from Borderlands. Awesome sound!!
Bravo bravo bravo. You still the best .. Much lov.
... certainly has a haunting, smokey sound... and in the hands of a master.. Brilliant..
Dark swamp, dark whiskey, perfect Friday night 🌙!! 🥃