This double-disc import compilation assembled by Frémeaux & Associés puts some 36 cuts together to form an accurate and enduring portrait of blues and jazzman
Lonnie Johnson during his first 22 years on the circuit. First the technical stuff: these recordings have been cleaned up considerably and possess fine sound for what they are. Yes, there is some tape hiss, but one can hear everything being played during any given session, and none of the music itself sounds muffled as a result. In addition to a slew of
Johnson originals and some choice covers, the sidemen on these dates are equally important -- pianists
James P. Johnson,
Blind John Davis (who also played bass),
Lil Armstrong, and
Roosevelt Sykes (who also doubled on bass); singer
Clarence Williams; and drummer
Alfred Elkins. This is as fine a set of early
Lonnie Johnson as one is likely to find -- anywhere. ~ Thom Jurek