Lonnie Johnson's pivotal role in the development of blues and jazz guitar often overshadows his equally striking abilities as a vocalist and songwriter, talents that come to the fore on this collection of sides from his 1947-1952 stay at King Records, his most commercial period. The lead track,... [+] Expand

Lonnie Johnson's pivotal role in the development of blues and jazz guitar often overshadows his equally striking abilities as a vocalist and songwriter, talents that come to the fore on this collection of sides from his 1947-1952 stay at King Records, his most commercial period. The lead track, "How Could You," finds Johnson combining both blues and jazz elements into a kind of smooth R&B mode, a vein he mines throughout this collection, and his calm, easy-rolling vocal style gives each track a cohesive feel. There are some guitar highlights, too, but in general Johnson stays back in the ensemble, although he trades some fluid lines with tenor sax player Ray Felder on "It Was All in Vain" and breaks out a little bit on "You Can't Buy Love," backed by the Todd Rhodes Band. Although Johnson's 1920s and '30s work is perhaps more historically important, his King years should not be overlooked by fans of this elegant performer. Two tracks by "Dirty" Red Nelson, "Home Last Night" and "You Done Me Wrong," are also included on this release. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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