Sonic Johnson

T-Shirts

2005-01-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Be the center of attention!
Own your very own Sonic Johnson T-shirt:

$10 each. Contact: jbasnight@gmail.com

Band Practice

2005-01-10T10:54:00.000-08:00

Band Practice 1
Band Practice 2
Band Practice 3

Guitar and Cigar

2005-01-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Guitar and Cigar 1
Guitar and Cigar 2
Guitar and Cigar 3
Guitar and Cigar 4
Guitar and Cigar 5

Booze and Guitar

2005-01-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Booze and Guitar 1
Booze and Guitar 2

Fan Art

2005-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Flower
Guitar
Sonic Johnson
Steve/Sun
Microphone

5/7/2004 Bowdoin College

2005-01-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

A modestly-attended affair sponsored by WBOR. Many songs were played. Many T-shirts were sold. A bottle of whiskey was drained.

4/7/2004 The Flatlanders Concert

2005-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Jay and I decided to go see The Flatlanders at The Paradise Club last night. Here are my scattered recollections.

We're walking down Comm Ave. and getting near the Paradise. On parked in front is a large, black bus, with a lasso painted on the side and Texas plates. On the sidewalk a man with long grey hair and dressed in denim is talking on a cell phone. While we're still out of earshot, Jay asks me if it's Jimmie Dale. I say it sure looks like him. Jay wants to know if he should shout "Hey, Smokey!" I reply that under no circumstances should we reference The Big Lebowski. [Later on, I'd remark how glad I was that we weren't those guys. Jay asked me what guys I meant. It was that kind of night].

Not wanting to interrupt a man on the telephone, we went up to the Paradise. Jay had been told on the phone that we needed to get there by six if we wanted a good spot in line for tickets. Well, when we got there, the line was still being set up, and there was no one ready to get in it. They guy setting up the cordons told us we'd have to wait until 7:00pm to buy tickets (it was about 6:20pm at this point). The guy was wearing a dark grey sweatshirt that said "Security" on the back and camo pants. This will become relevant later. He says Jimmie Dale is a nice guy and approachable. We see he's off the phone, and go over to talk to him.

We introduce ourselves, and shake hands. We chat him up for a bit, telling him we'd seen Joe Ely at Gruene Hall in Texas. Jay asked if they had an opening act. Jimmie told us that his son was supposed to open, but couldn't make it, and so they'd found some local guy to go on. Jay was deeply upset that he'd missed a chance to offer his services, but kept it to himself until later. We let Jimmie go, and stood at the front of the now set up line.

So we were joined by a man named Mark, who hails from just across the border in Nashua, NH. Apparently he comes down quite a bit, whenever there's a good country show. He always comes by himself, however, because none of his friends like country, and he doesn't want to drag anyone along who wouldn't enjoy themselves. We hung out with him for the rest of the night. He knows more about country music than Jay and I combined, several times over (he and I later commiserated about how the term "country" doesn't really cover the stuff we like, and is such a turn off to people).

So the scene is, for about 40 minutes, Jay, Mark and I at the front of the line. They're facing toward the door, and I'm facing away, right against the last cordon. And roadies and whatnot keep going in and out the door, and I start to notice that they're all flashing their passes at me. Now, I'm dressed like this:

People walking by would also keep coming up to me and asking questions. If I were less of an honest person, it would have been more fun. As it was, the actual bouncer knew me by sight, so it was no use trying to pretend.

So finally they let us in and we buy our tickets. Then we head to the bar, where we remain for the rest of the evening.

At 8:00pm the opening act comes on. It's one guy with an acoustic guitar. His name is Texas Bob. He plays a bunch of covers, and a few of his own. Crowd-pleasing stuff. For the finally song, his wife joined in, who was also quite good.

Afterwards, Jay went to to talk to them and schmoozed as only he can. He got Bob's number, so hopefully they'll be an opening gig in the future. What a rock star this kid's gonna be.

I think that's all for the anecdotes. The Flatlanders came out at 9:15pm and played until around 11:00pm, doing four encores. I have neither the familiarity with their music nor the recall to give you folks a set list. Maybe Jay can help us out with that. Joe Ely did turn down an early request for "The Road Goes On Forever." Oh well.

Footnote: Some guys in the balcony above us behind the bar taped up a sign that read:

LEBOWSKI
6:19
MARK IT ZERO

I was looking around for the meaning of "Lebowski 6:19" when I came upon the Lebowski Fest site and found this picture:

That looks so exactly like the sign from last night, that it may indeed be the one. If so, that's pretty fast turnaround.

Discuss.

- submitted by Steve Brady

3/9/2004 Burren

2005-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

First Performance
Jay performed at the Burren in Somerville on Tuesday night. He played:

"Sonora's Death Row" by Robert Earl Keen, Jr.
"Dead Flowers" by the Rolling Stones
"Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams
"Return of the Grievous Angel" by Gram Parsons

and remembered most of the lyrics (and 3 of 4 of the titles!). The crowd quite enjoyed it. After Jay finished, a middle-aged blond woman came up to Jay and told him that he was "so cute," and that he "must be from the Mid-west," and asked him to take out her twenty year old daughter, because it's so hard to find nice boys.

Jay's ego then actually manifested physically and destroyed several chairs before it could be tasered and restrained.

- submitted by Steve Brady

3/12/2004 Namaste Cafe

2005-01-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night, Jay performed at the Namaste Café's "Open Mike Experiment." We arrived in the middle of a guy singing "Chocolate Jesus" by Tom Waits and feeling a little out of place, but the people there were both talented and inviting. There was a woman who came down all the way from Vermont, braving an unexpected snow storm, and sang to us about her neighbor's domestic squabbles, driving through Nor'easters, and Joni Mitchell.

Jay was the featured act, and they liked him so much that he played ten, count 'em, ten songs:

"Sonora's Death Row" by Robert Earl Keen, Jr.
"Dead Flowers" by the Rolling Stones
"Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams
"Return of the Grievous Angel" by Gram Parsons
"If You See Her Say Hello" by Bob Dylan
"Crazy Cowboy Dream" by Robert Earl Keen, Jr.
"Gimme Sunshine" by Ryan Adams
"You Belong To Me" by Patsy Cline
"Avenues" by Whiskeytown
"Thinking About You" by Radiohead

What a rock star.

As his self-appointed harshest critic, I felt Jay was much more comfortable this time (he played sitting down, which I think helped). Less (and better) rambling between songs, and he got all the lyrics and titles correct. His best songs were "Gimme Sunshine" and "Thinking About You," and his most bitter was "If You See Her Say Hello" (why? sorry, you'll have to come to a show to find out).

- submitted by Steve Brady

3/15/2004 Cantab Lounge

2005-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

On Monday nights, the Cantab Lounge brings out an incredible line-up of folk musicians. Andrew and I fit right in by performing two Robert Earl classics. Andrew sang a sweet Crazy Cowboy Dream, while I brought everybody down with I think my finest rendition of Sonora's Death Row to date. No pants were removed but sexiness was nevertheless maintained.

3/24/2004 Sally's

2005-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

Jay performed last night at the open mike at Sally's in Somerville. The performance featured a guest appearance by Jon Moore, who blew a mean harp and pitched in on the singing. The big news is that for the first time, Jay performed Sonic Johnson songs for the public. The set:

"Cheatin' Heart"
"I Still Love You"
"Good Bye E.S. Goodbye"

the last of which is, in this reviewer's humble opinion, the best song ever.

Jay's voice was at its dirty best, and Jon's contributions to the harmonies really filled out the songs, which lend themselves nicely to harmonica solos.

The audience left much to be desired, unfortunately, but that's the risk of playing at 12:30am on a weeknight.

The other highlight was the guy who went on before our boys. He was playing what several audience members refered to as a "stick." Jay can probably explain this better musically, but it was basically a bass and a guitar combined. My comment was that Samuel L. Jackson should hire this guy to follow him around, as he was one-man funk machine.

N.B.: I tried to make this post funny, but after 3 hours of sleep and getting savaged in class, it's not in me. But at least I have my priorities straight.

- submitted by Steve Brady

3/31/2004 Burren

2005-01-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Jay and Jon Moore played at the Burren last night. Slightly less of a crowd than last time, though more into them than at Sally's. The tradeoff, though, was worse sound quality. Oh well. The songs:

Cheatin' Heart
I Drink Alone
I Still Love You
Good Bye E.S. Goodbye

The fan club of one (me) was joined by Andrew Paget, who was mighty impressed. Now if we can get all three on stage together....

8/9/2004 Country Nite in Brookline!

2005-01-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

A modest portion of the band will be playing in Brookline Friday August 27th at Casa del Boss! Bring your "ho" and get down! For details call somebody in the band.

Trevor - Mandolin and Fiddle

2005-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Trevor 2, Devil 0.

Jon - Harmonica and Vocals

2005-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

(photo not available)

Embodying the Sonic Johnson lifestyle.

Nick - Drums

2005-01-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Rocks as hard as granite.

Caleb - Bass Guitar

2005-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

He can play bass.

Jay - Guitars and Vocals

2005-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

Spiting his enemies through song.

Sugar Belle

2005-01-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

I met her just outside the bar while I was down in Tampa.
I thought I’d met a good girl at long last.
We sat down to play some cards and much to my surprise,
It turns out she cleaned me out real fast.

I saw her on the highway. She was thumbing for a ride.
I picked her up and thought I would get far.
She turned to me with pouty lips and two wide open eyes,
And kicked me out of my own moving car.

Bad habits, you got ‘em.
I’m sure that I still want ‘em.
I’m too blind drunk to make you see.
That Sugar Belle you should go out with me.
Cause Sugar Belle you lack what you don’t need.

I brought her to some greasy spoon while I was in Atlanta.
I told her that she had two pretty eyes.
She dropped a pot of coffee on my lap and I jumped up.
Then she stuck a fork into my side.

I went home to tell my friends that I’d fallen in love.
They said they’d seen my new girl on TV.
She’d taken hostages inside a bank but I was overjoyed,
‘Cause her one demand was that she speak to me.

Bad habits, you got ‘em.
I’m sure that I still want ‘em.
I’m too blind drunk to make you see.
That Sugar Belle you should go out with me.
Cause Sugar Belle you lack what you don’t need.

Still Love You

2005-01-10T07:48:00.001-08:00

Gas up the old Mercedes,
We’ll drive it halfway around the sun.
And we’ll never stop to stare at
Anything or anyone.

You broke down and started crying,
As I went inside to hide.
You’re bubblegum stopped popping,
Arms fell down to your side.

If you think that I still love you,
And you think that you are sure.
I’ll be the one that loves you,
As I’m walking out the door.

Take me back stage again,
Keep me safe and warm.
I could be your entertainer,
I could keep you safe from harm.

Let me be your indecision,
Let me be your pack of lies.
Let me be the place you run to,
That expends your alibis.

But if you think that I still love you,
Honey, how can you be sure.
‘Cause I could be the one that loves you,
As I’m walking out the door.

I hope to go to Nashville,
I hope it soon is dawn.
Please don’t turn on your sprinklers,
‘Cause I’m sleeping on your lawn.

When you paint your face like midnight,
It takes days to find your eyes.
You didn’t hear my explanation,
As you shouted over my goodbyes.

But if you think that I still love you,
Honey, how can you be sure.
‘Cause I could be the one that loves you,
As I’m walking out the door.

But if you think that I still love you,
Honey, how can you be sure.
‘Cause I could be the one that loves you…

Shoe Shine

2005-01-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Your girlfriend’s crying go and see what it’s about.
If she mentions me she’s lyin’ beyond a shadow of a doubt.
It’s so hard to be the winner looking good all of the time
When I’d rather be a sinner looking for the perfect crime.

This old lady said to me
I’ve got a daughter you should meet
I said I’d like to take her out sometime
And let her drive from the backseat.

The hot blonde waitress always leaves you with the bill
When you finally get to tip her, can imagine what a thrill
When you got pulled over, knew you wouldn’t get too far.
With clothes scattered on the highway and three girls in your car.

She called me up on Sunday morning
I parked my car on her front lawn
I walked up on her porch and rang her bell three times
When she came to the front door I was gone.

Oh you can keep your money.
It ain’t worth that much to me.
Oh you can keep your money
‘Cause I can go get my shoes shined for free.

All the girls from highschool were always mean and rude,
Now you’re all grown up and suddenly remember you.
So you take one out to dinner, and you uncorked the wine.
Then you pay her for the hour and you have her home by nine.

I’ll pay you a buck to cross the river,
But it’s all I can afford.
Try to get your kicks in while you’re roaming free.
Cause when you’re saddled up you will be bored.

Oh you can keep your money.
It ain’t worth that much to me.
Oh you can keep your money
‘Cause I can go get my shoes shined for free.

I Drink Alone

2005-01-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

I drink alone.
I don’t even own a telephone.
One thing I know,
After all these years,
(Is that) a real man always finishes his beer.

I sit at home.
My life is in my stereo.
One thing I know,
From years of vice,
(Is that) a real man never gets fooled twice.

Oh my God,
Stop this nightmare.
There’s nothing left for me to say
(Except that) Armageddon better go my way.

I love the road.
I keep in touch by radio.
One thing I know,
Through years of spite,
(Is that) a real man never spends the night.

Still drink alone.
But I finally got that telephone.
One thing I know,
After years of fun,
(Is that) a real man can never have just one.

Whiskey On The Table

2005-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

What may seem like love
Was just a bullet in your heart.
It will surely kill you,
And you’ll soon fall apart.

So take another sip of whiskey,
There’s a tool-shed out back.
And I will bet by morning
That we’ll have your lovin’ back.

There’s whiskey on the table,
A tool-shed out back.
You can bet by morning,
We’ll have that lovin’ back.

You’ve always threatened leaving,
You’re home and family.
That’ll happen if they find out,
There’s another mouth to feed.

So if you don’t want them hassled,
Don’t want them to have a cow.
Meet me in my hotel room,
To keep it mum some how.

There’s whiskey on the table,
A tool-shed out back.
You can bet by morning,
We’ll have that lovin’ back.

You say you love religion,
Always obeyed the law.
But yet you’re here with me,
Driving eighty in a stolen car.

I don’t think they will catch us,
I know a place to hide.
We don’t want the priest to hear us,
So keep it down inside.

There’s whiskey on the table,
A tool-shed out back.
You can bet by morning,
We’ll have that lovin’ back.

Good Bye E.S. Goodbye

2005-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I bet you thought it was a good idea,
To smoke that joint and throw back that beer.
I try to remember but I can’t recall
The last time he was here.

We found him lying on the floor
With silver dollars on his eyes.
We took a picture and it looked like
One sick smile and two bright lights.

Good Morning
Sun Shining
I got my shades on.
I smell like whiskey
But I don’t give a damn.
I’m just glad to see you’re gone.

A few of us stayed up ‘til dawn
But knew he weren’t coming home.
He found another place to lay
His head; the rest’s unknown.

But time’s caught up to him.
The clock says half past ten.
I don’t regret but be damned if I’ll let you
Come back here again.

Good Morning
Sun Shining
I got my shades on.
I smell like whiskey
But I don’t give a damn.
I’m just glad to see you’re gone.

Good Morning
Sun Shining
I got my shades on.
I smell like whiskey
But I don’t give a damn.
I’m just glad to see you’re gone.

Cheatin' Heart

2005-01-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

Chorus: Your cheatin heart is such a crime
Your cheatin heart has done its time
Get one more shot of tequila, and throw away the lime,
If you don’t tell your boyfriend you’ll be fine.

I met her half past midnight, while I was tending bar.
She asked for something fruity, I gave her a Lone Star.
I went to pop the top off, but she pulled it out of reach.
She said, “Meet me in the Kitchen, I’ll open it with my teeth”

Your cheatin heart is such a crime
Your cheatin heart has done its time
Get one more shot of tequila, and throw away the lime,
If you don’t tell your boyfriend you’ll be fine.

I saw her on the deck as I was captain of a ship.
(I said I’d) show her how to tie some knots if she showed me the slip.
I didn’t think she’d like sea life, ‘cause she was so well-groomed.
But she became the First Mate when she saw the engine room.

Your cheatin heart is such a crime
Your cheatin heart has done its time
Get one more shot of tequila, and throw away the lime,
If you don’t tell your husband you’ll be fine.

Fan Mail 2

2005-01-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Well I just listened to your "Whiskey" tune. It was so authentic sounding if I didn't know better I would've sworn it was recorded by Alan Lomax in the main room of your sharecropper shack in rural Arkansas in the 30's...well done!
- Mark Burns, Nashua, NH, April 8, 2004

Fan Mail 1

2005-01-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Route 209 near Phippsburg and the man in the blue Oxford rails at bayberries from the passenger side. A moon tough and his tennis shoes are tied. They’re loose, like a key chain. The dashboard clock is wrong. He remembers St. Paul in the spring of ninety-three – the brownstones and late hail – and a roomful of love songs just as loud as you can imagine. His excuse to see the coast of Maine, and it drops into view like Charles Algernon Swinburne just waking up in the morning with that kind of name. Tapes in a cardboard box. I never understand a word. When we talk it’s handfuls of ice and heave-ho to the water. Late that night he shuts the back door by the half-open window and thumbs a crack in the windshield. I always hear music. Like some mystic bailiwick or the mind of a nineteen year-old beauty with quiet arms. She’d be off with the nearest truck driver she could find.
- Nate Saldaña, April 13, 2004

FAQ

2005-01-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Who is Sonic Johnson?

Sonic Johnson was the first Blues musician to cross the Potomac in a guitar case.

Come on, that's impossible.

When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.

Yeah, but what really happened?.

Sonic Johnson drowned in the attempt. What moved him to make the crossing remains a mystery. Our researchers are hard at work.

Why is there a band of the same name?

The Sonic Johnson legend needed to be immortalized.

What kind of rock music does Sonic Johnson play?

Hard, but sometimes soft.

Why should I listen to Sonic Johnson?

It will help you get a date.

Will listening to Sonic Johnson really get me a date?

No, but it will make your loneliness hurt less.

How can I contact Sonic Johnson for gigs, t-shirts, and other promotional material?

Email jbasnight@gmail.com