"My decision to move back to Mississippi -- and I have always considered it to be home, even though I lived away for many years -- was affected by family, musical, and other personal considerations," he says. "It was the best decision I've ever made. I wouldn't trade my experiences living all around the USA for anything, and I still really like all of those places I lived, but it feels right being here. Music seems just to live in the air down here."

It was while performing with artists he admired -- including Dorothy Moore, Bloodkin, Jerry Joseph and R.E.M.'s Mike Mills among many others -- that Johnson began work on his debut CD, Umbrella Man (to be released 5/1/2007 on the CoolByMe label). The rootsy songwriter's newfound sense of home and stability reveals itself throughout the album, which was recorded in Jackson and New Orleans. Like many of Johnson's musical points of reference (including Mark Knopfler, Randy Newman, Bruce Hornsby and Van Morrison), his songs are lyrically tender and thought-provoking while his warm, rich voice and considerable harmonica skills are on display throughout.

"I've always felt most influenced by, or attuned to, artists who are kind of what I would call triple-threats, says Johnson. "They sing well, they play at least one instrument very well, and they write great songs. I take each of these three parts of the equation as seriously as any other part. I also feel most in tune with artists who kind of 'are their own genre,' borrowing from many different kinds of music. I hope my music reflects that."

Umbrella Man was self-produced over a period of three years with local and regional musicians providing the backdrop for Johnson's tuneful ruminations on life, love, and the true meaning of "home." In addition to nine original songs, the album also includes a faithful harmonica version of Wynton Marsalis' "In the Court of King Oliver", featuring a cast of stellar New Orleans musicians that includes legendary drummer Johnny Vidacovich.

It's been a long haul, but Johnson's career goals are simple.

"All I have ever wanted, from a musical standpoint, was to be able to make a living sharing my music with as many people as possible," he says. "That sounds like a reasonable enough expectation, but there are so many great musicians who struggle to get their songs heard. I'm very grateful for each person who tells me they like my music, or buys my album, or comes to a show, because it means I've made a connection with them, and it brings me one step closer to my goal."

"Scott Albert Johnson's unique sound is irresistible and virtuosic in its breadth. Umbrella Man is a work of rare beauty and innovation. Rich, bluesy, and played with a heartfelt passion for the musical craft, his songs come as a refreshing challenge to a scene stifled by genre."
(Tuesday Magazine ) link to review -- link to interview

"Scott Albert Johnson is a harmonica player of the highest class, and a fine and versatile singer and songwriter as well. He has been blessed with a beautiful, clear and unique voice, and his harp playing varies between steaming blues solos, Toots Thielemans-like jazzy stuff, and more subtle playing. His style intermingles pop, jazz and roots music and, of course, blues influences."
(Rootstime) link to review [in Dutch]

"Scott Albert Johnson is a virtuoso harmonica player. But he's also an accomplished singer and songwriter, as his debut CD Umbrella Man undeniably proves... Johnson's musical versatility is on prominent display on Umbrella Man, a disc that mixes blues, rock, folk and jazz into a varied and eclectic stew."
(Carey Miller, [Jackson, MS] Clarion-Ledger) (link to full article)

"On Umbrella Man , Scott Albert Johnson displays the confidence of a seasoned musician. With never a dull moment, the album takes the listener on a ride. It has taken Johnson three years to bring Umbrella Man to fruition. It has definitely been worth the wait."
(Andi Agnew,
Jackson Free Press)

"Umbrella Man is a frighteningly solid Southern rock jam. Scott Albert Johnson's harp and mojo are strong medicine."
(Herman Snell,
Jackson Free Press)

"Umbrella Man is a moving, class act. Every track will grab you and take you on a rockin', moving, headbobbing, toetapping, harmonic journey."
(Victor Jones, Georgia Improper)

"[Umbrella Man is] a strong debut by a first-rate harp player and budding singer-songwriter who could one day challenge the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, John Popper, Delbert McClinton and fellow Jackson, Mississippi powerhouse Bobby Rush. "
(Robert Mugge, acclaimed music documentatian and director of New Orleans Music in Exile and Last of the Mississippi Jukes)

"A mighty harmonica player." (Jackson) Clarion-Ledger

"A harmonica virtuoso." [Jackson] Planet Weekly

"Scott Albert Johnson, harmonica player extraordinaire."
Rob Payer, WBRH/KBRH [Baton Rouge, LA]

Scott's debut CD, Umbrella Man, is scheduled for release on May 1st, 2007; you'll also be able to purchase indvidual downloadable tracks here or from iTunes, Napster, and Rhapsody. You can hear some of the completed tracks here.