Complete Recorded Works (1925-1932), Vol. 6: 1930-1931

Performer: Lonnie Johnson
Artist: James P. Johnson; Clara Smith
Producer: Johnny Parth; Johnny Parth (Compilation)
Distributor: Allegro Corporation (Dist

Notes: Full title: Complete Recorded Works 1935 - 1941 In Chronological Order, Vol. 6. Personnel: Lonnie Johnson (vocals, guitar, piano); Spencer Williams (vocals, percussion); Clara Smith , Tommy Jordan (vocals); Clarence Williams (piano, washboard, sound effects); James P. Johnson & his Orchestra, Alex Hill & His Sepians , James Johnson, Alex Hill , Alexander Hill (piano). Liner Note Author: Chris Smith . Recording information: NY, NY (01/23/1930-02/11/1931). The music on this CD, the sixth of seven Document discs that trace Lonnie Johnson's recording career during the 1925-1932 period, alternates between blues and hokum. Johnson performs good-time vocal duets with Spencer Williams (such as "Keep It to Yourself" and "The Bull Frog and the Toad") and Clara Smith (an excellent four-song session from 1930 including "What Makes You Act Like That" and "Don't Wear It Out"), plus a variety of solo numbers. Other highlights include the two-part "I Got the Best Jelly Roll in Town," "I Have to Do My Time," and "Let All Married Women Alone." ~ Scott Yanow

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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