When it comes to the single-string guitar solo, all roads lead back to Alonzo “Lonnie” Johnson, the first recorded artist to perfect the technique and who directly influenced Robert Johnson, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and T-Bone Walker; which is another way of saying he has influenced just about everybody.
Johnson, who was equally at home in jazz, pop, or blues is hardly ever spoken of or listened to now. That’s a shame, as this clip amply indicates. Even forty years into his career, his range and dexterity are undiminished. What a treat.
This clip was filmed in Manchester, England on Oct. 21 or 22, 1963 by Grenada Studios. Otis Spann plays piano, Willie Dixon plucks the bass and Bill Stepney keeps time on the drums.
http://youtu.be/h1IsFTnio8A
