Blues, Ballads, and Jumpin' Jazz, Vol. 2

Performer: Lonnie Johnson
Distributor: Fantasy (distributor)

Notes: Recorded in April, 1960. When producer Chris Albertson brought Lonnie Johnson and guitarist Elmer Snowden into a studio for this album on April 9, 1960, both musicians hadn't recorded in a number of years. Indeed, Snowden hadn't seen the inside of a studio in 26 years, but you'd never know it by the fleet-fingered work he employs on the opening "Lester Leaps In," where he rips off one hot chorus after another. Johnson plays a dark-toned electric while Snowden plays acoustic, with Wendell Marshall rounding things out on bass. Given Johnson's reputation as a closet jazzer, it's remarkable that he merely comps rhythm behind Snowden's leads on "C-Jam Blues" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street." Johnson handles all the vocals, turning in an especially strong turn on the second take of "Stormy Weather." Lots of studio chatter make this disc of previously unissued material a real joy to listen to, a loose and relaxed session with loads of great playing and singing to recommend it. ~ Cub Koda

Sing Out! (11-12/94-1/95, pp.131-132) - "...In the duets with Snowden, Johnson tends to take the back seat, but anyone who loves great jazz guitar will be as happy with Snowden's acoustic artistry as with Johnson's own work..."

In contrast to such contemporary country blues musicians as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton, guitarist Lonnie Johnson performed a sophisticated, jazz-inflected blues. Active throughout most of the 20th century, he left a profound imprint on blues history, influencing such diverse giants as Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian, and B.B. King.

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