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

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

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."