The Songs Of Robert Johnson
Telarc CD83521
Crossroads (The Crossroad Blues)/ Traveling Riverside Blues/ If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day/ I'm a Steady Rollin' Man/ Me and The Devil Blues/ Walkin' Blues/ When You Got A Good Friend/ Kindhearted Woman Blues/ Dust My Broom/ Come On In My Kitchen/ Stones In My Passway/ Walking Blues/ Hellhound On My Trail/ Stop Breakin' Down Blues/ Sweet Home Chicago/ Milkcow's Calf Blues
Twenty-two artists, varying from true Delta bluesmen to more contemporary artists, all pay tribute to Robert Johnson in this sixteen-track CD. All of them play in the acoustic style and perform their versions of Robert Johnson songs. Some of the songs are performed by single artists, while others are joined by other blues pros. It all combines together for an excellent tribute to the composer of these songs.
Robert Johnson, as legend would have it, sold his soul to the Devil at a crossroad at midnight for his musical skill. Ironically, he did make a remarkable improvement in his guitar playing in less than a year. His powerful guitar playing and songwriting still continue to influence modern music. Just as he was ready to make his debut in Carnegie Hall, the news came that he had died- perhaps murdered, at the tender age of twenty-seven. His music has influenced everyone from Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton, even though he wasn't as successful during his lifetime as other, more well-known peers were.
Since it is too much to discuss each artist, even though they all paid an authentic tribute to Johnson, there are some highlights worth mentioning. Chris Thomas King, son of guitarist/vocalist, Tabby Thomas, who runs a successful blues club in Baton Rouge, holds the record for the most performances on this CD. He sings and plays guitar on "If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day," and then plays guitar to mellow out the guitar/vocal lead of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown in another number, "When You Got A Good Friend." He again takes the lead in "Come On In My Kitchen" and is joined by harpist, James Cotton who adds a subtle, tasty duet. Cotton also enhances the very acoustic playing and vocals of Alvin Youngblood Hart in "Hellhound On My Trail."
Vocalist, guitarist, Bob Margolin sings a mellow version and plays an unique, sweet melodic guitar in "Kindhearted Woman Blues," while Pinetop Perkins adds a gentle, background piano. Their roles are reversed in "Sweet Home Chicago" where Perkins takes the lead with the vocals and piano, and Margolin adds dimension with his guitar playing. Joe Louis Walker does a great performance with his singing and guitar playing in "Dust My Broom." Even the more contemporary Susan Tedeschi projects her vocals to the rural Delta country style in "Walking Blues," while Derek Trucks plays a light acoustic style guitar.
Other artists performing on this CD are Taj Mahal, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, a travelling companion of Robert Johnson, Robert Lockwood, stepson of Robert Johnson, Carey Bell, Eric Gales, Norris Johnson, Keith Brown, Lucky Peterson, Carl Wethersby, Tony Braunagel, Reggie McBride, Robert Palmer, and Carl Carlton.
The twenty-two musicians who perform their All-Star Blues Tribute to the songs of Robert Johnson all do a great job. Their performances are all in the acoustic vein and well done. For lovers of the Delta blues songs of Robert Johnson, this CD is an excellent addition to your library. It is also of historical significance to students of the roots of blues in the States. The pure simplicity of the Delta blues is unique. Give it a listen!
By Maria Bainer © May,2001
