Vernard Johnson - I'm Alive

[John B]

I'm guessing most people here have never heard of Vernard Johnson, which is a shame. Imagine if a more melodic Albert Ayler had recorded gospel, but still had a a huge r&b influence. Johnson plays some fiery alto, full of grease, fire, brimstone and energy. He testifies. I'm not a huge fan of gospel music but this album is fantastic! There are a lot of cheap used copies floating around out there so, if you have any interest in what I described above, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. This is the real deal and, if you are religious or an atheist, this disc will make you believe.

Edited November 21, 2004 by John B

[jon abbey]

did you pick that up on my recommendation, John?

[John B]

no, I've had this disc for a few years. I don't remember where I first read about it. I saw your recent comments on it over at JC and agree 100% with what you posted.

[jon abbey]

yeah, I listened to it again the other day, it's a great one. I wish he had other discs this good, but I don't think he does...

I love to praise HIS HOLY NAME! HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

[JSngry]

Vernard's a Fort Worth cat, and has been making records for between 25-30 years!

[jon abbey]

great, feel free to recommend other CDs, I haven't been able to find almost any info on the web.

[JSngry]

Vernard's recorded a fair amount of stuff over the years for local/regional Gospel lables. Might be hard to find. I don't have but his first(?) LP myself. But if you start hunting used Gospel LPs online and elsewhere (try thrift shops, especially those "in the hood"), you never know what you'll find.

As for CDs, it's just been relatively recently that Vernard's gotten "exposure", so what you find on AMG snd such is probably all the "name brand" stuff that there's been.

[danasgoodstuff]

Have heard and liked, but I think the comparison to Albert is a little over stated. Their is a connection but Vernard is v. much his own guy, for better or worse, and God knows Albert was totally his own guy...

[JSngry]

I don't know that Vernard's ever even heard of Ayler.

But Ayler's coming out of the same interpretive tradition. Whever I hear Gospel saxophone, the w--i--d--e vibrato and keening sound is always there. So, I'd not use the comparison in terms of "influence", but I think it's safe to do so in terms of "roots", just as it is w/New Orleans funeral brass/funeral bands.

[John B]

  JSngry said:

So, I'd not use the comparison in terms of "influence", but I think it's safe to do so in terms of "roots", just as it is w/New Orleans funeral brass/funeral bands.

I wouldn't even call it a comparison. I was more just trying to give people a point of reference, if that makes sense.

[JSngry]

Makes perfect sense to me!