Complete Recorded Works (1925-1932), Vol. 4: 1928-1929

AMG Review of Complete Recorded Works (1925-1932), Vol. 4: 1928-1929

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The period of time covered in the fourth of seven Lonnie Johnson Document CDs found the guitarist/singer being well-featured as a leader in many settings. He is heard on three two-part double-entendre performances with singer Victoria Spivey ("New Black Snake Blues," "Toothache Blues," and "Furniture Man Blues"); on five guitar duets with the great Eddie Lang (during which Lang was billed as Blind Willie Dunn); in a vocal duet with Spencer Williams; on the two-part "It Feels So Good" with Lang, King Oliver, and Hoagy Carmichael; as part of Blind Willie Dunn's Gin Bottle Four; and as a solo lues performer. Everything works. Considering that this is a strictly chronological release, the music is consistently rewarding, making this one of the key Lonnie Johnson CDs to pick up.