Lonnie did it all, and it all came straight from his soul!
07/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am amazed that Lonnie Johnson does not receive more attention in the guitar magazines and history books. He was a hero to Robert Johnson and B. B. King. The scope of what he did over a 50 plus year career included outstanding down & dirty blues (which in my opinion far outshine Robert Johnson) to early electric blues, to jump blues, to suave sentimental jazzy blues. On top of this, when you listen to him, you can tell this music comes from some very deep place within the man. I REALLY WISH THERE WAS MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ABOUT HIS LIFE.These recordings have not been previously issued. They were recorded in the home of a guy named Bernie Strassberg in 1965. The sound is great, with a very intimate, comfortable feel. You can hear flashes of Lonnie's brilliance on the guitar. I only wish I could have heard him play with Duke Ellington's band in 1961 or seen him with Buddy Guy in 1970.Thanks Bernie! You've done us all a great favor. Buy this disk now."
So simple, so pure...
Guy Gillor | Be'er Sheva, Israel | 03/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never meant to get this CD. Actually, I never heard of it. a few weeks ago I ordered a few CD's somewhere and when I got them, they added this CD as a bonus. I listened to it once, and then I just couldn't stop. I never got so amazed from such a simple thing. You can hear th 66 year-old Lonnie, ssitting at a friend's house with an acoustic guitar, just spilling his heart out. It doesn't matter that the recording is not in the best quality, it even adds to the feeling. His voice is so bittersweet, it brings me tears to listen to him. such a perfect combination of voice and his unique guitar playing... another thing is that you can really tell it was recorded at a home surrounding: kids running around, talking to "daddy"... all of the atmosphere make it one of the best, honest and heartful recordings I ever heard."
A Brilliant Statement From A Masterful Performer
Adam E. Maroney | Arizona | 01/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lonnie Johnson's "The Unsung Blues Legend: The Living Room Sessions," is a remarkable monument to a man whose lengthy musical career spanned over six decades and reached stellar heights and very low points, such as when he was reduced to working as a custodian. The setting is informal with a warm, laid-back ambiance that you wish would never end. Johnson gently flows from one classic song to another, all the while making you feel as though you are right there in the same living room sitting in a comfortable chair and enjoying the beautiful sounds. The faint sounds of talking children in the background makes this recording all the more real, as if it could have been made in your own home or in that of a friend. By the time Johnson finishes this set, you do feel as though you have made a good friend, for whom you feel some pity for because he was never given the recognition such an outstanding artist is worthy of. Pick up a copy of this CD, you'll be glad you did."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1