'Call Me Lucky'-Johnnie Bassett-NO Cover Records

About This Footage

The discovery of rare and previously unseen footage is always a treat for music enthusiasts, and this clip from 1997 featuring Johnnie Bassett and The Blues Insurgents performing "Call Me Lucky" is no exception. This live rendition, captured by Mike Boulan for No Cover Records, offers a unique glimpse into the career of a highly influential electric blues guitarist.

Bassett's background as a session musician, working alongside notable artists such as Billy Butler, Tiny Grimes, Albert King, B.B. King, and T-Bone Walker, had a profound impact on his style. His own backing band by the 1990s was a testament to his growth as an artist, allowing him to take center stage and showcase his craft. This live performance of "Call Me Lucky," penned specifically for Bassett by Tino Gross, highlights the guitarist's ability to convey emotion through his playing.

The song itself is notable for its blend of blues and rock influences, a sound that was characteristic of Bassett's work in the 1990s. The studio version, released on the album "I Gave My Life To The Blues" on the Black Magic label, demonstrated the guitarist's ability to craft memorable melodies and solos. This live rendition, however, offers a different perspective, one that showcases the energy and chemistry between Bassett and his band.

One of the most striking aspects of this footage is its rarity. With only seven albums released in his lifetime, Bassett's discography may seem limited compared to some of his contemporaries. However, this clip serves as a reminder that there was more to his career than what can be found on record. The fact that it has been uploaded in high definition by TunesToTube.com makes it an invaluable resource for fans and researchers alike.

The context in which this footage was recorded is also worth exploring. No Cover Records, the label responsible for capturing this performance, was likely interested in documenting live performances of notable artists such as Bassett. The fact that Mike Boulan was behind the camera adds another layer of significance to the clip, highlighting the importance of documentation in preserving musical history.

In terms of its historical significance, this footage offers a unique snapshot of the blues scene in the 1990s. Bassett's influence on subsequent generations of electric blues musicians cannot be overstated, and this performance serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy. As such, it is essential that we preserve and celebrate these rare moments, making them accessible to fans and researchers for years to come.

The upload of this footage in high definition is a testament to the dedication of enthusiasts like those behind TunesToTube.com. By sharing this clip with a wider audience, they are contributing to our understanding of Bassett's career and the evolution of electric blues music as a whole.

Curated from public records and music databases.

About Johnnie Bassett

Johnnie Alexander Bassett (October 9, 1935 – August 4, 2012) was a Detroit-based American electric blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Working for decades primarily as a session musician, by the 1990s Bassett had his own backing band. He released seven albums in his lifetime. He cited Billy Butler, Tiny Grimes, Albert King, B.B.