John Joyce
Aug 18th, 2008 by Paul
John Joyce is a legend on the British Folk Music Scene . He dedicated his
musical career to the 12 String Guitar and was one of the very first to pioneer the instrument in the UK. Blues was his first love and he appeared with such Blues greats as Howling Wolf, Jesse Fuller, Reverend Gary Davis, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee.
He never received or sought the accolades many now feel he duly deserved. Throughout his long career he also appeared with The Levee Breakers, Velvet Opera, Davy Graham, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Paul Simon, Roy Harper, Al Stewart, Sandy Denny, The Strawbs, Ralph McTell, Paul Brett and many more. He was highly regarded as one of the best guitar repairers in the UK. He designed the ‘JJ’ and the best selling ‘Sandpiper’ range of guitars marketed by Aria . John’s final CD is available from Fretdancer entitled ‘Statesboro Blues’ and also a duo CD with Paul Brett ‘Acoustic Power’. The later receiving fantastic Press reviews and airplay on many Radio stations throughout the UK.
” I played with John on and off for many years. He taught me to finger-pick 12 string guitar and he repaired my guitars. I consider myself privileged to have known and played with him. We did some great acoustic tracks like Dave Brubeck’s ” Take 5 ” and Gershwin’s ” Summertime “. Played many gigs and record sessions. He played on my LP’s and I on his. We made our last CD in 2000 ” Acoustic Power ” and it was the best thing we did. I loved playing Blues with John, he was a dedicated musician who spent his life playing 12 string and singing the Blues he loved so much. He was a great fan of Leadbelly and Blind Willie McTell, two of the great exponents o the Blues 12 string. I hope he is now in musicians heaven playing with those guys and hollerin’ Statesboro’ Blues to all and sundry. Give it to em Papa John ! “
Your mate…Paul
Please leave your thoughts regarding John. He may read your comments, assuming he has learned how to open his email box !!!!!!!!!!!
Click on this link to see John play http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=HX9Qhqu13fw over 100,000 views ……..
My husband, Rod Hamilton (Folk Centre, Hammersmith) treasures a lovely, early Martin that Johnny Joyce repaired for him after he found it in a parlous state in some now forgotten junk shop (?in Richmond, Surrey) way back in the late '60s/early '70s; and also values an Epiphone acquired as the result of a swap for a 12 string Johnny coveted.
He acknowledges to this day that he and Hammersmith were privileged to have played host to Johnny and Paul, separately and collectively, on many happy, exciting and never-to-be-forgotten occasions.
Hi Alison and Rod,
I remember Rod and the Hammersmith Folk Club very well. Johnny and I had many a great evening there. It was one of the legendary London Folk Clubs in the 60's and 70s and very professiionally run.
regards to you both,
Paul
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I just discovered John Joyce. A truly amazing musician with a great guitar tone.
Is he using fingernails, finger picks or just the flesh of his fingers to play?
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Hi Michael,
John either used his thumb and nails ( kept short) to play or he would use an old zither thumb pick made out of nickel. The tip was strengthend with an extra layer. He always said that for 12 string, they were more flexible than normal picks and gave a cleaner sound. He always used his own nails in both instances.
I agree also that John was a great player of 12 string guitar and he pioneered this instrument in the UK, something which he largely went un- heralded for during his lifetime. But from the feedback, especially from his YouTube clip, thousands of people are now appreciating his talents.
thanks for you kind comments,
Paul
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I just discovered him by random in youtube.. Very nice guitar playing. I wish I could read more about his biography, but wikipedia is empty =/
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Hi paul,
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I remember Johnny as far back as 1958 in those days you couldn't get the stetson of his head. He loved rambling Jack Elliot, and played Guthrie and Elliot all the time. even then he repaired guitars. My husband Ron Kane a very good friend of johnny also repaired guitars .sadly to anyone who remembers him Ron died january the 18th this year.regards to Dave cousins who would i'm sure remember Ron.
Hi Maggie,
Sadly, quite a few of the 'old school' have passed over the last few years. Condolences on Ron's passing but I always like to think they are all together somewhere else having a great time and making music.
regards,
Paul
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Hello Paul,
I just want to say I am very proud of John Joyce and loved him and Sue dearly, he was my uncle, it is so sad that he was never recognised for his true talent.
Dawn
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Hi Dawn,
Nice to hear from you. I promised John before he died I wouldn't let his memory slip away and I have been featuring him in magazine articles and on my web sites. Plus, I put a clip of him playing "Jubillee", a track from our final CD together on YouTube. Since I did that, it has had nearly 100,000 views. This would have amazed John and hopefully now, many more people around the world know of John's talent. Here's the YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX9Qhqu13fw
Stay well,
Paul
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Message for Dawn
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Hi Dawn. How are you. Thank you. I am also vey proud of John and wish so much that he had lived long enough to have read all the wonderful comments on Youtube etc.
Hi Paul
I am sure you'll find it impossible to remember but we met, along with John, in Isleworth - Maria Grey College back in about 1970.
It was when Dave Marsh and I ran the social side of the college and booked 'Velvet Opera' on a number of occasions, you rehersed in college a number of times. Still have the signed copy of Ride a Hustlers Dream - still play it too!
So sorry to hear of John's leaving us, great talent and a quite but nice guy as I recall. Still enjoy you music greatly - angler is wonderful. Glad to see you have flourished - well deserved, well don.
Best Wishes Steve
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Hi Steve,
Long time ago, but I do remember you at the College as we played some great shows there, both as John and me and the Velvet Opera. John's death was a sad loss and I miss the playing and chats we had. But I am still trying to keep his memory alive and he would have been amazed at the number of views (over 100,000) and comments he has had on the YouTube clip I put up. Have a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX9Qhqu13fw
Thanks for your kind comments on Songs from the Compleat Angler. As you see, I am still trying to do different, new and unique projects.
Take it easy,
Paul
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I had the pleasure of working with "JJ" at Gigsville in Heston, who handled Aria guitars. Please pass on my warmest best wishes - if he remembers me.
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Hi Cherry,
John passed away in 2004. He is sadly missed by all.
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Paul
hi i am johns son in law wife is dee we are trying to buy any guitar that john owned as we have not too meney things of his thanks if you can help robert dee ne joyce
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Hi Robert,
John's Aria JJ signature guitars are rarely on the market for sale. Guitar Mag voted them in the Top 50 Retro guitars ever made, so they have risen in value. The last time I saw a six string advertised for sale, a few years ago, the price was £695 and the 12 string £795. I would think that they have gone up again. If I come across one I'll let you know, but don't hold your breath!
Be well,
Paul
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