Dark Swamp Blues on Haunted Fender Lap Steel • "Spanish Moss"

I borrowed this Late 50's Vintage Fender Champ Lap Steel from my buddy John Carter Cash, and it's got some of the longest and smoothest sustain I've ever heard on an instrument. I'm also pretty sure it's haunted, because it's only wants to play creepy, dark, reverb-drenched swamp blues... or maybe it's just me! For such a simple design, it's really got a soul and voice that's filled with that stanky mojo! For this tune, I dropped it in my favorite swampy, bluesy tuning, Open Dm, and let the Lap Steel do some moanin'!
TUNING: Open Dm: D-A-D-F-A-D
GEAR:
• ‪@justinjohnsonlive‬ Signature Ceramic Guitar Slide (www.justinjohnsonstore.com)
• ‪@fender‬ Champ Lap Steel (Late 50's)
• Square Amps Custom Vintage Radio Tube Amp
• ‪@GamechangerAudio‬ LIGHT Pedal
• T-Rex Effects Replicator Tape Echo Pedal
• CEntrance R4R Mixerface Mobile Recorder
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#fender #lap steel #blues

[@AuroraTigress]

Whenever I see "Dark Swamp Blues" in the title, I get excited.

[@kortgreen7725]

ME TOO! But it might be cause I live next to a dark swamp. I'm a Cajun me! Justin never disappoints!

[@mikebigbrojohnson1600]

Yes Ma’am 🖤😎💯

[@kingdarkem]

Yeah it gives me a chub when I see dark swamp blues....love the haunting tones

[@EdificeofEchoes]

ikr

[@isreallong3824]

Really? I get excited too. Maybe we could get together and listen to some dark swamp blues and get excited together?? I don't know...., just a thought

[@ollysombrero8427]

an album filled with the darkest solo tracks would be mind-blowing

[@gminor6288]

I would buy a JJ Swamp collection

[@rider94]

YES

[@diggerdigger617]

Amen brother

[@ceewayne]

Yes, need it for those hot summer nights

[@kimw.9303]

Oh yea, I'd buy an album filled with all these gorgeous swampy dark blues!! Sweet!! & Yummy!!

[@OldManTupX]

So addicted to this song...

[@RandalSmith]

My late uncle Jess Halstead had a lap steel exactly like that. I used to play it when we’d go visit. He had a stroke and lost his ability to speak, but we didn’t need words to communicate. Just that old lap steel. Thanks for the music and the memories.

[@jalleman61]

This is a track where you just sit back and enjoy

[@kristopherdetar4346]

With a whiskey glass filled with your favorite brand and a really good cigar.

[@kimw.9303]

Shot of top shelf sippin tequila, a doobie, and close my eyes n fade away to it!

[@gigigalasso1862]

Yes. Exactly ..lounging in a chair outside in the Florida sun

[@stevenrowell156]

@@kimw.9303 Right there with you.

[@Wilshare]

TUCKED UNDER MY BLANKETS IN SOME NEW SUPER SOFT JAMMIES. THE MARES ARE QUIETLY WHINNEYING TO THEIR NEW BABES.THE CATTLE ARE SOFTLY LOWING TO THEIR NEW CALVES. A ROBIN IS EVEN DOING A SOFT MORNING SONG. I CAN EVEN HEAR THE NESTING CANADA GEESE ;TALKING' BETWEEN THE NESTS ALONG THE CREEK. IT IS ALL ENOUGH TO GET ME NATURALLY BLISSED OUT. YOU ANDTHAT INSTRUMENT WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER JUSTIN. OLLY HAD THE RIGHT IDEA...AN ALBUM....HUGSSSSS

[@robertaldridge507]

Sit down, dim the lights, turn the damn tv off, just listen and relax. Love your music. Thanks

[@marthajf73]

Doing it right now. 😁

[@Linkolite]

Like a concert in bed!! The internet ain’t always so bad :))

[@courtneykempe2442]

Amen to that turn all off leave this on on a cold stormy nigh

[@samstamos427]

With tonight's waning crescent, where just a sliver of the moon shines, the faint lunar glow reflects off of the moist hair like plant that hangs from the tall oak trees of the bayou.. As if there's someone there in the dark, moving with the gentle breeze.

[@edgarbanuelos6472]

And there he was. The Old King Of The Swamp. A large man, wearing little more than a pair of overalls, tinted sunglasses and a large straw hat. With him were his two alligator companions. Bessie and Beaufort. Silently they roamed this large span of the bayou. For it was his.

[@Wilshare]

NEW MOONS AND FULL MOONS BRING THE PAIN OF MIGRAINES. THIS IS THE MUSIC THAT SOOTHES THE SAVAGE PAIN. I AM SOOOO GRATEFULL FOR THIS HUMBLE BARD.

[@samstamos427]

@@Wilshare Indeed, as we all are grateful for this humble bard who provides us with "harmony". Harmony, derived from the Greek verb ἁρμόζω harmozō, "(Ι) fit together, join". The Beauty of reverberating airwaves whose certain vibrations are such as they fuse together. Harmony, like the Sun and New Moon that will rise and set together tomorrow at dawn and dusk. Harmony, which echoes through our ears and into our hearts, soothing our souls, and quieting our minds through the struggle of life. "Fit together", like Bessie and Beaufort wandering the bayou with old "Grey Beard", knowing that humans are the Paragon of animals! The Beauty of the World! And that this human wandering the expanse of the bayou is "The Old King Of The Swamp." And yes, for it was his. And thus, through harmony, assuages the savagery of pain and discord.

[@violet2048]

Don't stop now, I love a good story with atmosphere.

[@williamcastleberry5544]

Traveler state your business....for it must be very important to wander into my domain.

[@foghornleghorn262]

This should be the theme song for the "Contract of San Venganza" in Ghost Rider.

[@poeticdisaster7500]

Or the song henry heck plays to frank castle even! Either would be fitting!

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

I'm a song writer and I find it incredibly impressive that instrumentalists can write so many pieces that aren't improvised and remember all the parts. My lyrics are what guide me through the music I write. I guess it's similar. Still patterns to follow and let you know where you're at but still. Well done Justin and all those who can do this.

[@pennakm]

but Justin is truly one of a kind!

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

This is improvised. Its a simple 5 note scale.

[@filianablanxart8305]

There are a handful of basic Blues Progressions . The rest is spicing up the fills and transitions .

[@leeroyjones7225]

How does this man put so much soul in his music with what appears to be no effort? He is truly gifted.

[@ceewayne]

Musta been traditional and signed a contract at the crossroads...

[@Wilshare]

I KNOW HUH??? :D I CAN CRINGE WHEN SOME ASKS WHAT MY TALENT IS...GUESS WHO POPS INTO MY BRAIN????LOL

[@isreallong3824]

TRULY GIFTED

[@Nivasi]

Practice lots n lots of Practice

[@silverstory3911]

It almost "seems " like the "answer" to Your question is sort of answered IN your comment? This is a FAVORITE OF MINE

[@mrkuhn78]

I need a vinyl record of your stuff. I could listen to it all day.

[@marjorieandrzejewski7996]

Hi, here's where you can get everything Justin Johnson including vinyl justinjohnsonstore.com/

[@donnajocatlady3839]

I Second that motion!

[@TOMG12XU]

Got one. & I do.

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

I feel like this has a cosmic, planetary sound reminiscent of some of the stuff on Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality album

[@Brandon-dy8us]

Perfect song for coffee and a joint 👌

[@1111MJR]

Wow, man. You had me on the first lick. Outstanding. To quote Nigel Tufnel: “It's part of a trilogy, a musical trilogy I'm working on in D minor which is the saddest of all keys, I find. People weep instantly when they hear it, and I don't know why.”

[@markcooper8561]

Just effing beautiful. I just closed my eyes and let my imagination wander to this piece. Thanks Justin.

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

It definitely sounds haunted all right. Like an abandoned mansion in New Orleans.

[@bobotee7072]

Hell yeah

[@brendaseagel7929]

I'm imagining this in a blockbuster movie . It's like.... wow awesome 😎 thank you Justin

[@drjcwardjr]

The mist is setting in...gators are growling...spirits are howling...SWAMPY!! Love it!👀🕸🕷🐍💀☠️

[@marthajf73]

Mosquitoes and flies swarm.

[@kortgreen7725]

Anda SWAMP WOLF IS ONDA PROWL! LOOK OTT CHEW!

[@matrix3509]

My man Justin, just casually name dropping Johnny Cash's son like its no big. You da man, Justin.

[@filianablanxart8305]

Not just Johnny's son , but also an excellent producer .

[@otherpatrickgill]

Wait, what? Justin Johnson is the son of Johnny Cash?! I mean I can imagine there is some genetic factor to him being that good, but seriously, if his father had been a random Walmart employees, I wouldn't have been any less impressed.

[@tchort2397]

@@otherpatrickgill no the person he borrowed the lap steel from is Johnny Cash's son

[@kortgreen7725]

I don't care what anyone says. Justin is the greatest guitarist in the world! He can play any song on any guitar or anything with strings on it and totally blow your mind in new and exciting ways. And his prowess never ceases to amaze! Truly a master of his craft.

[@Wilshare]

UMM BECAUSE HE IS AT ONE WITH HIS INSTRUMENTS...NATURAL,NOT FORCED. IT IS A KIND OF LOVE NOT OF THIS WORLD. BLESS HIM FOR SHARING HIS INNER LIGHT WITH US.

[@sharpshooter3195]

Clapton is still alive...but this is amazing

[@ianwalker4030]

@@sharpshooter3195 buckethead?

[@timesurfingalien]

He is definitely one of the masters of the guitar and guitar related objects.

[@generalwast3man980]

😳 The POWAAA of the dark slide of the force, is strong with this one 🤘

[@AlexaLake1]

Both enchanting and haunting ... it beckons my soul. Way to go, Justin.

[@Neil.Stewart]

Wow Justin that's mesmerising... The way you play that is so fluid it makes it seem that there's no conscious thought as you're moving up and down the neck, you're simply feeling the melodies and conveying them... That's what I hear anyway, utterly enchanting mate thank you. That's as smooth as buttermilk ☺️👍

[@kholbrook203]

I have said this before and I will say it now. This is such a hauntingly beautiful piece. Thank you Justin for taking me away from this mad world for a while. Without a doubt, you are one very special person, given a beautiful gift from God. You are amazing.❤️

[@pstefanics]

Feels to me more smooth and meditative (or mesmerising? evocative?) than "haunted" or "creepy," then again, I'm up by the Baltic Sea with no swamps around. Love that looooong sustain; would be great to hear a few more tunes before you give it back to John :)

[@auldweegie7987]

Simply dark & beautiful. Glad I found you on the Tube, Justin. Wish I found you and your muic at the start of lockdown. Still crawling my way through the swamp. 😁

[@jakethekent]

A trip to a far off land. Love it. You have sent me on a path of learning "lockdown slide" for which I will be forever grateful.

[@koyamishishi]

It sounds like souls crying yet full of hope ... yer fucking amazing dude I just bought a Godin Seagull S6 original slim with cedar top, a silver leaf maple neck so I can use it to practice along with your tutorials ... thank you for sharing your incredible insights in the world of acoustic guitars peace brother , keep rockin it

[@adrianmarsglam]

Sounds like an ancient chinese melody played on guqin... Beautiful. Cheers Justin, love your music!

[@thehouseofronin9209]

I can't get enough of this kind of song Justin! Truly haunting in a great way!

[@brianoregan4477]

Reminds me of the old Clint Eastwood's Spanish country westerners.

[@gigigalasso1862]

Yes it does.

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

Spaghetti

[@robertbarrett6267]

Some of my fav movies. Clint was such a cool guy!!!

[@isreallong3824]

I think those were Italian westerns not Spanish

[@brianoregan4477]

@@isreallong3824 I stand corrected.

[@robhaskell4043]

Justin, again you have proven your prowess on all things stringed! Beautifully done, my friend south of the 49th....Cheers, Rob

[@dennisharriman5570]

Hauntingly beautiful. Once again you have proven why you are the best. Keep up the great music.

[@LoveLindqvist]

Perfect! I would love an entire record of this, such a pleasant vibe

[@justinjohnsonlive]

You should check out my album "Bootleg Series Vol. 3: Son of a Witch" it a has a lot of this dark swamp blues vibe on it. You can find it here: www.justinjohnsonstore.com

[@Michael-xp6jt]

I love the reverb I'm learning to play slide your my biggest influence JJ I love the Blue's ☮️☯️😎👍

[@TOMG12XU]

Atmospheric. No lyrics necessary.

[@Womblewobble1321]

Such a god of the strings

[@luluwinke6581]

even the wind plays his hair

[@steveleeb827]

An absolute dark tune but soothing at the same time , Justin you Never disappoint , thanks for another great piece of music.

[@LD-qj2te]

I think this should be called “ the wandering spirit “ or unrequited love

[@lairdcummings9092]

Not incompatible; sitting under a gnarled old oak, Spanish moss hanging down all around, slow-drinking fine spirits and watching out over the still waters... I've had that moment, more than a few times. This piece fits perfectly. That's a good time to ponder one's relationships.

[@Wilshare]

FOR ME...IT FELT LIKE ' HEADING HOME' OR ' SLIP AWAY TO DREAMLAND'. XXXX;S

[@georgecarswell]

Hair is standing where there ain’t no hair - need this on a CD ASAP!

[@alekseiklopkov5515]

I live in Moscow, but now I feel like I'm somewhere in Nevada... Thank you for your great work, Justin.

[@veraregina4525]

Why NEVADA????

[@filianablanxart8305]

I'm not Alexskie , but I'm guessing he's feeling the Old West vibe influenced by spaghetti westerns .

[@alekseiklopkov5515]

@@veraregina4525 Don't know... I feel so.

[@veraregina4525]

@@alekseiklopkov5515 Or Nashville, Texas, Missouri, Alabama, Dakota and etc.....👏👏👏👏👍💖

[@sbw1794]

Love it!!!! Haunting, dark, mysterious. Justin you sir are on another level with the slide. It makes my soul stir and gives me chills. 🤘❤🍻

[@datmember]

Open Dm the saddest of all tunings. Great playing, great sounds, very haunting melody.

[@ac-du6ud]

Unbelievable skills - best ever - thanks for letting us listen !

[@Nivasi]

very Leveau-ish, back in the darkest swamp... sounds great Justin

[@isreallong3824]

Soooooo smooth and flowing! Makes my knees weak. Justin Johnson your dynamics are INSANE! your playingis SO CLEAN and POLISHED and RESONATING. I just can't say enough great things about your craft and the hauntingly beautiful sounds you produce

[@nocosa]

Justin is inspiring me to play guitar again and I'm improving a lot by practicing new stuff and learning music theory. Even got new acoustic guitar.🤩

[@user-dn6pw7vj2e]

Brilliant! And reminded me a bit of Ry Cooder's meditative soundtrack from "Paris, Texas"

[@andyparker2119]

Very relaxing! Earphones in and laid in the dark 👍

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

Oooh! Creepy, swampy love it! I’m listening to this right in the morning, it’s raining but this is my gift for today. 🎸🤘

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

R-e-a-l easy on the ears... beautiful to just listen to and lose yourself in the sound. "Haunted"... good word.

[@charleseggers6176]

Never cease to amaze me. Thanks for the great sound....

[@ellenmaryfish7862]

That’s just so hauntingly gorgeous Justin. Thank you.

[@rajibdattaroy9105]

So many videos being released ! All of them are top notch ! I listen to them in loop

[@joans6047]

Hauntingly beautiful! Thanks for sharing your talent ~ I absolutely loved this song!

[@jonesvox1]

Thank you for sharing your great talents and inspiration!!

[@peterhutchinson3424]

Another Dimension 🤘😎🔥🎸🥃🥃

[@LD-qj2te]

Always so amazing and original ! Love it . Keep the lapsteel !

[@ravenonguitar]

You never cease to amaze me, buddy. Thanks for sharing.

[@IKatchSkams]

Awesome...just love the sound. Kind of soulful yet soothing at the same time. Thanks JJ...

[@terrymccorkle1674]

Absolutely incredible

[@waynearchibald3920]

So eerie and beautiful!

[@goinanywhere5070]

Crazy cool. I enjoy the heck of this one. Thanks.

[@TheOheim]

Thanks so much Justin ... You make my day so beautiful

[@juliebrady6562]

Absolutely awesome, love some dark swamp blues.....

[@mikekopec9781]

Very nice- I love the stuff you play!

[@johanneleroux6076]

Amazing as always !!!!!!!! Love love love !!!!!!!!!

[@chesterraybon3442]

Wicked sound coming from that lap piece. The arrangement was outstanding and astonishing. DAMN 😎👍👌

[@paulajohnson139]

I love this song. Thank you!!

[@elizamills6348]

This sounds like heat, humidity, broken souls, the inability to escape. It sounds like Spanish moss blowing in the wind. Like back breaking slavery. How can a song so perfectly encapsulate place and experience. I’m not a slave or a decedent from slave, but that’s what comes to mind listening to this.

[@kenwalter9984]

I was today year's old when KZbin recommended this. LOVE IT! Sub'd right away.

[@eggpod4567]

We really need an actual metal album of this and your beaitiful guitar behind you.

[@martdod]

Haunting song on the haunted Fender. Awesome!

[@filipcarstens8849]

This is just perfect!

[@congamike1]

Incredible music. New style to me. Thanks

[@allenwadecook4806]

Bravo bravo bravo. You still the best .. Much lov.

[@BlueYiperoo]

I like the Fender Slide. Justin makes it sound so awesomely beautiful.

[@paulcrosslin]

Empty hand, whaddya got, slide gutar, whaddya got. Music is the Muse, runs through your fingers and everlives. As if it was always there for you. Kinda feels that way but scrutiny reveals. It was Always you. Rock On.

[@ronfreeman5857]

... certainly has a haunting, smokey sound... and in the hands of a master.. Brilliant..

[@MikeCindyWhite]

Excellent!! Sounds great, As always thank you much bro 🎸🎸👍

[@Barimaso]

It sounds so freaking good, and I’ve listened to a lot of music over the years. Please put these perfect pieces of music on some album, I’ll buy it instantly. Thanks, Mr. Johnson.

[@nickwilson5637]

True beauty and mystery in that piece, awesome kit too, I'd be very much interested is hearing more on that instrument

[@Bjornlundstrom]

Absolutely amazing Justin! "I'm drifting further and further away"...🎶🎶🎶

[@petrithysaj4529]

this here is my blues Mecca; absolutely immersed body, mind and soul

[@averyjones2094]

I could listen to this all day.

[@kenmilne2379]

Beautifully played Justin ! So haunting ! Could listen to hours of that !

[@mikebeardmore1685]

Instant Goosebumps. Wow!

[@SkunkPunch73]

Just floating on a mind cloud, Holding on for the Thunder clap ! Your therapist has just left the arena. Thank you very kindly Justin for the beautiful creations that you make and adapt to be so soul realigning it just blows the average person’s mind/

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

Oooooooh, that was another great one 👏👏👏👌👍 Rock on 🐈

[@williamgraves9574]

This track before or after Viscounts Harlem Nocturne. Epic. Love this. Thanks Justin.

[@overwhelminglyaverage]

Why does this make me feel better?? Powerful stuff. Keep on keeping on.

[@kitchenratt]

Great job!! Lap steel looks like fun!

[@loisparsons2048]

Beautiful

[@isreallong3824]

Justin Johnson, that right thar is nothing short of PURE WICKED! Aloha again from Hawaii my friend

[@MrGeroth]

If it’s got strings, Justin can play it. Awesome

[@jasonsadliberty1503]

Every piece you create is hair standing stuff Justin....I live in perpetual awe of you & your talent......yeah...it's like that!! ☮️

[@fred6154]

Amazing, thank you very much

[@barbaramackellar5687]

Awesome music to go along with the fabulous portrait of you that my soul make sketched for me for Mother's Day.

[@saundersd1962]

That is one Awsome instrument and your playing is something else. Love it

[@Jomama02]

Boy, you make that steel sing like none other!! Bravo! This is definetly in my saved Justin Johnson folder!