The Songs of Robert Johnson as Performed by Rocky

Rocky Lawrence

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2000)
• Original Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: The Orchard
• ASIN: B000051Y6L
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #898,001 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Carbon copy Johnson, September 16, 2006

By	Pitoucat (UK) - See all my reviews

Rocky Lawrence is an East Coast guitarist who abandoned his electric instrument in order to devote his time to studying and attempting to emulate the songs of Robert Johnson on an acoustic guitar. This CD is the result of his labours. Unlike similar exercises by others - Peter Green's 1998 album springs to mind - Lawrence did not try to overlay his own style and musical mannerisms on top of Johnson's but attempted to produce a strict copy of the way the material was originally played. That approach in itself is debatable and begs the question of who would prefer to hear a carbon copy rather than listen to the originals. There is certainly no shortage of Robert Johnson's own complete work currently available on CD.

Lawrence's guitar work on these covers is good, but I have heard better by others. His voice is a different matter. Lawrence sounds little like Johnson, with a quite different vocal quality, and just doesn't manage to capture the emotional quality of Johnson's work. The overall structure of the presentation is also inferior to the ultra-tight delivery of the originals.

These recordings were made at a live concert in California, and perhaps that's the best way to listen to these reconstructions. Certainly, playing this CD at home it's unlikely that it will receive many repeat spins. And apparently there's a second CD to come ...

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one man...one guitar, May 28, 2006

By	Stray cat - See all my reviews

A great collection that reflects a great deal of research and hard work..however, these recordings are waned by Rocky's live performances. I recently met him at the Robert Johnson Blues Festival in Crystal Springs , Ms.
As the rain poured and the electric bands discontinued their performance...Rocky grabbed his vintage gibson and began to play to a small intimate crowd under a picnic pavillion...it was the best performance I saw during the entire festival. He interacted with each member of the audiance and kept time with the guitar by stomping the wooden picnic table with his shoes...his mastery of the Robert Johnson guitar riffs and vocals is simply the best I have heard (I am an acoutic guitarist myself)...
later I met he and his pretty lady at the Jackson airport, they were so kind, he showed me his tuning and though I was not familier with it , well...sorry Rocky but I guess I have been using it a bit...they are wonderful people and always ready to share a kind word.
If anyone ever has a chance to catch him live ...do so! But this CD will give you a very good idea of his skills.....
Yeah....I think this is a CD that belongs in every blues collection..
Thanks Rocky for keeping the "real thing" alive....see you again as I am invited to play there next year...hope the photos of us turned out...

Stray Cat