After years of searching to find his place in the world, musician and St. Andrew's graduate Scott Albert Johnson has found that place right in his hometown.
Now, he seeks to share with those willing to listen, a music born of emotion and tempered by intellect. His first studio album, "Umbrella Man," recorded in Jackson and New Orleans, was released Tuesday.
"I feel that music is one of the greatest gifts we have," said Johnson. "It's universal and it is potentially profound. I thank God every day I'm able to do it."
Now 37, Johnson grew up at Audubon Point along the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Brandon. He attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School, and credits it with providing him the foundation to achieve his present lot in life.
"My high school education was a big part of this," said Johnson. "It was very much a place that stressed excellence."
On April 26, Johnson reached a pinnacle of sorts in his career when he played with high-profile musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Stuart, and the North Mississippi Allstars at a special concert celebrating Mississippi's 50-year Grammy legacy.
He had the opportunity to play with famed musician James Burton, former guitarist for Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson.
"It was one of those nights that you just fantasize about," he said.
But the road that helped him reach such moments has taken some unexpected turns along the way.
After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in political science, he went on to work a number of jobs in places like Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Ohio, and California, and at one point worked as a volunteer for Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign. He also earned a masters in journalism at Columbia University.
"It's safe to say that very little of what I did in my twenties was planned," admitted Johnson. "I was trying to find out what I wanted to do with my life."
Throughout his youth, Johnson had dabbled in music, playing in bands and singing in church. But it wasn't until 2002, after years of trying to put what he had told himself was an adolescent interest in music behind him and secure work in the "real world," that Johnson realized music was his world.
"It became apparent that I was a lot better at music than any of the other things I had tried to do," he said.
After a special and life-affirming Christmas holiday in Mississippi, Johnson decided to return home in early 2003 to lay down his musical roots.
"I thought, 'You know what? I want to come back,'" he said.
During that Christmas, he had spent time both in Jackson and New Orleans playing with an abundance of musicians, and he had come to the realization that this was where he needed to be.
"I never ruled out coming back, but I never really thought I would," he admitted. "Mississippi has been an amazing place for me to grow, musically, and as a human. I remember thinking the music (here) is so great, so organic, and the scene is so welcoming."
Johnson said that every one of his songs has been influenced by his vast and diverse experiences, in terms of perspective if not direct inspiration.
One particular song, "Magnolia Road," Johnson wrote on occasion when he was particularly longing for home.
"Anytime I write a song, it's informed by my experiences," he said.
Among his influences, Johnson counts Randy Newman, Mark Knopfler, and Van Morrison. He considers them a "triple threat" in their combined ability to write sound musical numbers, sing, and play a chosen instrument well. And that is what Johnson aspires to in his own voice, songcraft, and harmonica playing.
Above all else, Johnson said returning home was the best decision he ever made.
"Eventually, you realize you can be anything you want to be, anywhere you want to be it. I feel very fortunate that I somehow reached that decision [to return]," said Johnson.
Umbrella Man is available at all Be-Bop Record Shop locations, and also at Borders Books & Music in Flowood. A C.D. release party will be held at Hal and Mal's on May 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information about Johnson and his music, visit www.scottalbertjohnson.com.
