Dec 29, 2017
Rockin’ Johnny Burgin is incredibly passionate a about performing, and holds the stage in the highest regard. Johnny resides in the San Francisco Bay area, but came up as a blues player learning and performing in the west side Chicago blues scene. In his early twenties, he was performing at west side black clubs where he says watching bands was like watching a boxing match, a place where musical phrasing came to life.
Why move from Chicago to California? Apparently Johnny had toured in California several times, and those tours kept getting better and better. He recalls that the move was an opportunity to expand his market. Knowing what I know about the San Francisco Bay area blues scene, I imagine he was also welcomed with the openest of arms.
When we booked Johnny's interview, he expressed interest in talking about his new album Neoprene Fedora. We do in fact talk about the album, and feature the track Guitar King at the end of our conversation. It is such a great tune! We also discuss Johnny's beginnings in blues, his many memorable collaborations, Aki Kumar, Kid Andersen, touring around the world, and how much he appreciates his time with a father who introduced him to the arts. His appreciation for the arts seems to fuel Johnny's passion for the blues and performing. Johnny says he's living on the edge when he's on stage. He sees the stage as a place of endless possibilities. It's also a place where his spontaneity thrives.