Steady Rollin' Man

Robert Lockwood Jr., Robert Jr. Lockwood | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Delmark
• ASIN: B000004BJ5
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #213,349 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Steady Rollin' Man

2. Western Horizon

3. Take A Walk With Me

4. Steady Groove (Instrumental)

5. Mean Red Spider

6. Lockwood's Boogie (Instrumental)

7. Ramblin' On My Mind

8. Blues And Trouble

9. Worst Old Feeling

10. Kind-Hearted Woman

11. Can't Stand The Pain

12. Tanya (Instrumental)

13. Worst Old Feeling (Alternate)

14. Lockwood's Boogie (Alternate)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Robert Jr. Lockwood has the unusual distinction of being Robert Johnson's stepson, but he actually does not sound much like him. Influenced as much by Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker as by the country bluesman, Lockwood grew to become a strong stylist in his own right. Joined by a fine back up trio (guitarist Louis Myers, bassist Dave Myers, and drummer Fred Below), Lockwood is relaxed and swinging on these 12 selections, which include two 'new' alternate takes and three instrumentals. A laidback guitarist with inner passion and an easy-to-understand singer, Robert Jr. Lockwood's music is quite accessible to listeners, serving as a window to the more esoteric style of his legendary stepfather. This highly enjoyably reissue from Delmark should satisfy a wide variety of listeners. --Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene

This has been a classic blues album since the day it was released in 1973. It's a beautiful statement of one man's genius. Lockwood was one of the top session guitarists in Chicago during the 1950s, featured on sides by everyone from Muddy Waters to the Moonglows. Steady Rollin' Man was his first album as a leader. It's true that the majority of the cuts are old numbers, but Lockwood's re-workings can breathe life into the stalest tune. His playing is so skillful and the band so fine that the recordings always sound fresh... This is an album that belongs in every blues lover's collection. --Brett Bonner, Living Blues

Many folks say that if Robert Johnson had lived into the electric guitar era and had played with a full band, he would have sounded something like Elmore James. That could be, but I think he also would have sounded something like Robert Jr. Lockwood. After all, Johnson taught his stepson to play guitar - others had to learn from his records. This is pure electric blues: no horns, harmonica or keyboards. Lockwood is backed only by the second guitar of Louis Myers, the electric bass of Dave Myers, and the drums of Fred Below (all three Chicago vets). Not surprisingly, Lockwood does several Johnson covers, but he does them better than almost anyone else, and right. --Jim Maher, Baltimore City Paper

Product Description

The blues world lost one of its greatest elder statesmen when Robert Jr. Lockwood died. Lockwood's music shows the influence of not only his stepfather, Robert Johnson, but also that of jazz guitarists Charlie Christian and Eddie Durham. By the mid 50s he found himself in the enviable position of being THE studio guitar player in Chicago recording on Chess. He can be heard on classic blues songs like Little Walter's My Babe and Boom, Boom, Out Go The Lights; Sonny Boy Williamson's Nine Below Zero and Eyesight To The Blind. He also recorded with Muddy Waters, Otis Spann and countless others. On this 1970 recording Lockwood is accompanied by The Aces; Louis and Dave Myers and Fred Below. This 1970 session was Robert's first album as a leader!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Performance, December 14, 1999

By 

Jim Abt (Wausau, Wi.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steady Rollin' Man (Audio CD)

One does not have to be a blues expert to see that there are some fine musicians on this recording that acompany one of the greatest blues guitarist that ever lived, not to mention the most under rated. These guys travelled with and sat in the studio with the greatest blues music ever. This collection shows all of the polish that you would expect from that type of experience. Robert Lockwood shows us on this recording that you do not need large amplifiers to cook. I saw him a few months ago sit on a tall stool with nothing but a twelve string and not another soul in sight and simply hypnotized me and the rest of the audience. He does exactly that on this cd. You will enjoy listening to this if for no other reason but to hear true artistry in the blues.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Steady Rollin Lockwood, February 2, 2004

By 

Bill (Cleveland Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steady Rollin' Man (Audio CD)

Robert Lockwood is on this cd with a few buddys of his. The Three Aces. Fred Below,Dave Myers and Louis Myers.

This cd was Robert's first album as a leader. Robert and the Aces are awesome performers. They are also on a Import Cd BluesLive.

This is not Robert's greatest cd but certainly a great debut album. If you enjoy nice ol blues music you will like this album.Robert is 89 years old and still travels the country.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robert's "electric charisma", August 10, 2006

By 

Larry A. Jeffries - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steady Rollin' Man (Audio CD)

I am the current road drummer for Cleveland Fats, who played with Robert for 20+ years. I had the opportunity to meet Robert at his 90th birthday party. It was a humbling experience for me. The man is truly a legend yet only popular in the blues world. This album displays Robert's "electric charisma" and should be proof enough to anyone that Robert is one of the finest blues players of our time.