The Johnson Family are a long standing writing and performing collaboration between Nigel Lewis and Helen Shadow, formed after they both found themselves attending each other's solo gigs around London and claiming a mutual love of similar stuff (see list of influences) and a general 'no-messin' approach to music and life in general. The first Family outing was at 'Drummonds' in London's Kings Cross on 6th December 1988 - the day Roy Orbison died.
Former regulars on the Camden/North London circuit in the 80's & 90's, they played at most London Venues, including Labatts Apollo, The Forum, Hackney Empire, The 100 Club, The Marquee, The Garage & The Mean Fiddler. They have also played festivals in, and toured Germany.
Their support slot portfolio is Morissey, the Cramps, Lenningrad Cowboys, Billy Childish, The Headcoats and Dave Vanian and the Phantom Chords and Britain's great undiscovered rock'n'roll legend, Jesse Hector. They released two singles on Camden Town Records, 'I don't Wanna Boyfriend (I just wanna motorcycle)' and 'Be My Rose'.
'No Forwarding Address', their latest offering (and first released album!) is available on Cherry Pie, a division of Cherry Red Records. This project was recorded live, by Ricky on his vintage valve recording gear at their Luton HQ. New material was written by Nigel and Helen resulting in a raw, exciting and unpredictable collection of work. Mastering duties were carried out by Alan Wilson at Western Star studios and Lewis Durham, of Kitty, Daisy and Lewis notoriety.
Here's a recent review! "Spearheading whatever wave of back-to-basics analog-powered rockabilly is cranking up at the moment, the Johnson Family -- for those of you who need introductions -- are what would happen if you put John Cooper Clarke at the front of the Cramps and told them to sound as nasty as they could. Yeah, it's that good. Double bassist Nigel Lewis has the kind of vocal that could sell a used car to a non-driver, guitarist Helen Shadow chimes in with such laconic dismissal that she makes Thee Headcoatees sound like Britney, and No Forwarding Address comes across like the very worst of the friends that you had back in high school -- the ones who sent your parents despairingly to church, and who were kicked out of class because they drove the teacher to drink. Yeah, it's that good as well." Dave Thompson, All Music Guide
