AMG Review of Complete 1937 to June 1947 Recordings, Vol. 3: 14 December 1944 to 2 June 1947

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Among the most obscure recordings from Lonnie Johnson's career, the 23 selections on this CD were cut after the recording strike of 1942-1944 ended and just prior to the blues singer/guitarist joining the King label. Johnson is heard in trios (usually including pianist Blind Davis) plus on two numbers on which he backs the singing of Karl Jones. The music is (as was true throughout his career) consistently enjoyable with strong musicianship and a gentler side of the blues than was usually performed by Johnson's country blues counterparts. Well worth exploring.