The Very Best Of Lonnie Johnson

Performer: Lonnie Johnson
Distributor: Gotham Distributing Corp.

Notes: Personnel: Lonnie Johnson; Hal Singer, Hot Lips Page, Tom Archia. Liner Note Author: Victor Pearlin. In the late 1940s and early '50s, revered blues guitarist/vocalist Lonnie Johnson recorded for the King label, and this 2005 compilation culls tracks from that time, a period just before he temporarily retired from music. (He was rediscovered during the folk/blues revival of the '60s.) Although earlier recordings found Johnson largely sticking to ballads, this set focuses on his more straightforward blues work. Sometimes backed by piano, bass, and drums, Johnson, with his plaintive singing and potent guitar playing, is always at the fore, while any other instruments seem far in the distance. This effect allows Johnson's considerable talents to shine, whether he's longing for female companionship ("I Want My Baby," "What a Real Woman," etc.) or dealing with other difficulties. Johnson's emotive brand of blues is immediately appealing and technically astonishing, making it no mystery why so many other bluesmen--including Robert Johnson (no relation) and B.B. King--were influenced by him. An excellent 25-song collection, THE VERY BEST OF LONNIE JOHNSON is an ideal introduction to this blues master.

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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