About This Footage
The recently surfaced footage of Johnnie Bassett and the Bill Heid Trio performing "Years Gone By" in 1997 is a rare treat for blues enthusiasts. This clip, taken from the album "Bassett Hound", is a testament to the enduring legacy of this Detroit-based electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Recorded in 1997, this performance showcases Bassett's mastery of the genre, which he had been perfecting since the 1930s. As a session musician for decades, Bassett had honed his skills alongside some of the most influential blues musicians of all time, including Billy Butler, Tiny Grimes, Albert King, B.B. King, and T-Bone Walker. These influences are evident in his playing style, which blends the raw emotion of the early blues pioneers with a more polished, modern sensibility.
The Bill Heid Trio provides a solid backing for Bassett's soulful vocals and scorching guitar work. The rhythm section is tight and propulsive, allowing Bassett to soar on the song's instrumental breaks. The performance is a testament to the chemistry between the band members, who have clearly been playing together for some time.
The fact that this footage has surfaced now, nearly 25 years after its original release, is a welcome development for fans of Johnnie Bassett and blues music in general. While the clip may not be widely known or celebrated outside of dedicated circles, it represents an important piece of musical history that deserves to be shared with a wider audience.
The production values on this footage are also noteworthy. The video quality is crisp and clear, allowing viewers to appreciate the nuances of Bassett's playing style and the band's overall performance. The sound mix is equally impressive, capturing the full range of frequencies and dynamics in the music.
For those interested in exploring more of Johnnie Bassett's work, there are several options available. In addition to streaming the "Bassett Hound" album on various platforms, fans can also purchase a physical copy through online retailers like Amazon or iTunes. This is an opportunity to own a piece of musical history and to experience the unique sound of one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.
In short, this footage of Johnnie Bassett and the Bill Heid Trio performing "Years Gone By" in 1997 is a rare treat for blues enthusiasts. It provides a glimpse into the world of one of the genre's most important figures, and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of music to transcend time and circumstance.
Curated from public records and music databases.
