Customer Reviews

Standing at the Crossroads

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Linked with the legendary Robert Johnson with whom he played with and traveled with in the 1930s, Johnny Shines left a musical legacy that far outshines the efforts of many acclaimed 'legends' of today. I believe these recordings were the first solo recordings Shines made sfter his mid-sixties return to performance (he recorded with bands for Testmanet and Vanguard) and include marvelous renditions of Johnson's songs witb other material. Johnson was not the only influence on Shines. Howling Wolf was another and there are some touches from such as Lonnie Johnson and Leroy Carr. Shines did not learn the Robert Johnson licks off the record and his mix of Wolf and Johnson in his vocals made him one of the most compelling singers who almost never came across as shrill. This is one of a number of superb albums of his music that are available.

Along with Furry Lewis' "Shake 'Em On Down" and Buddy Moss' "Atlanta Blues Legend", this is one of the finest solo Country Blues albums of the Country Blues revival period. Every song on this album stands out, and Shines' lyrical abilities are dazzling. His voice can go from a whisper to a shout stronger than that of Howlin' Wolf in an instant. This record proves that Shines was as good as, if not better than, Robert Johnson, the now-famous musician with whom he often played and criss-crossed America.

Johnny Shines was the genuine article, a man who made the blues soley and totally his own whenever he played and sang. This incredible collection has some of his finest performances. Just get it, 'nuff said!

If you only own one ACOUSTIC Johnny Shines cd THIS IS IT! Quality recording, excellent liner notes by producer Pete Welding and, of course, that tremendous VOICE and GUITAR! I'm in heaven as I sit here listening to this stupendous cd! This bluesman can step out of the shadow of, DARE I SAY IT?, Robert Johnson! From the opening cut you'll be hooked or I'm a descendent of Darwin's damn MONKEY! If you think all this hype is over the top and I'm just a brain-dead old fool, just buy this cd and if you're disappointed I'll send you $12.00 in any currency of your choice! I must stop now as I fear my verbosity may get ahead of my total entrancement by this cd! 'Nuf said!