Johnny Shines [Hightone]

Performer: Johnny Shines
Engineer: Ed Fournier
Producer: Frank Scott; John Harner; John Harmer; Bruce Bromberg
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel: Johnny Shines (vocals, guitar); Phillip Walker (guitar); David II (baritone saxophone); Nathaniel Dove (piano); Downy Murl, Murl Dowy (drums). Audio Mixer: Wally Heider. Audio Remasterer: Bernie Grundman. Liner Note Author: Peter Guralnick. Recording information: KPFK Radio (11/13/1970-06/??/1974); Vault Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA (11/13/1970-06/??/1974). On this eclectic and largely electric 1970 set, Shines is joined by an all-star West Coast band comprised of guitarist Phillip Walker, pianist Nat Dove, bassist Charles Jones, drummer Murl Downy and sax player David II. The music dips into soul balladry ("Just a Little Tenderness") and Chicago boogie ("Give My Heart a Break"), and on a handful of tracks, including "Too Lazy," "Skull and Crossbones Blues," "Vallie Lee" and "Ramblin'," the band steps aside to allow Shines to go it alone. ~ Jason Ankeny

Delta bluesman Johnny Shines is most famous for having traveled and performed with Robert Johnson in the '30s, but his career extended several decades beyond Johnson's. He eventually wound up in Chicago, where he recorded for Job Records, but like many blues players of his generation Shines drifted out of music. In the late '60s he was among those whose careers were given a fresh start via "rediscovery" by the folk-revival generation. Shines began recording and performing again with a vengeance, his gritty voice and slide guitar still powerful. Failing health slowed him down in the early '80s, but even then he continued to play until his death in 1992.

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