Rediscovering Lonnie Johnson

Blues Anatomy with Jef Lee Johnson (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 25, 2008)
• Original Release Date: March 25, 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Range Records
• ASIN: B00140GX7E
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #234,881 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

As one of the original pioneers of blues music, Lonnie Johnson is credited by serious historians as being the first person to record a single note guitar solo. Rediscovering Lonnie Johnson presents listeners with modern interpretations of blues classics such as "He's A Jelly Roll Baker" and "St. Louis Blues" while paying homage to the accomplishments of this prolific musician. Featured artists on the album include Blues Anatomy, Jef Lee Johnson, Geoff Muldaur and other phenomenal blues players.

"There was a guy who played blues long before we had electricity...named Lonnie Johnson. Lonnie Johnson was like Duke Ellington was with jazz. He played with everybody...So I grew up wanting to be Lonnie Johnson."
-B.B. King (Downbeat Magazine - Feb, 2006)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The heart without the soul, May 14, 2008

By	Chris Albertson (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

I was happy to hear that a group of performers were creating a tribute to Lonnie Johnson, but I'm afraid the end result was a disappointment. If it sparks interest in Lonnie's life, music, and significant contribution to jazz and blues, the CD will have served him well. The performances are obviously well intentioned, but Geoff Muldaur only handles one vocal--he should have had them all. Singer Eddie Davis is painful to listen to, but guitarist Jef Lee Johnson is not. I wish I could embrace this release wholeheartedly, but there is plenty of the real thing available, from the classic sides of the 1920s, 30s and 40s to the post "rediscovery" recordings.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is how all concept albums should be approached and executed., April 6, 2008

By	Jeffrey Kilpatrick "Jeffro Kilpatrick" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am very pleased with this album. Lonnie Johnson was so much more than just a blues musician. He was a great all-around musician, playing not only the gut-bucket guitar blues, but also intricate jazz with Satchmo and Eddie Lang. This album showcases that diverse history and ability, covering both genres.

Jef Lee Johnson's guitar playing is immaculate - definitely the highlight of the album, almost ghostly in bringing Lonnie's sound back to life. Blues Anatomy provide lush instrumentation and vocals that set this album apart from most new blues albums. Although I love straight-ahead blues, my one complaint about most albums is that there is too much of one sound. Not the case in Rediscovering Lonnie Johnson. It has an amazing balance and flow, carrying you from song to song through the entire album.

Hats off to producer Aaron Levinson for once again branding an album with his respect for great music and musical history. This is how all concept albums should be approached and executed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars please lonnie, don't hurt us, April 1, 2008

By	danny goldberg "joyfulsounds" (new york) - See all my reviews

the shortest poem ever recorded?
"Me, We" - Muhhammad Ali.

the shortest review ever on amazon?

rediscovering my love for this clairvoyant and timeless song writer;
rediscovering my respect for recordings produced with real (live) musicians;
rediscovering the truth, the history, the beauty;
rediscovering LONNIE JOHNSON

if you like real (good) music you are certain to love this one.

kudos good people that made this recordign!