Label: Document Records.
Release Date: 1991.
Recording Time: 71 minutes.
Recording Date: May 22, 1940 - February 13, 1942.
Release Info: Compilation (BDCD-6025) Studio Recording.
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Country Blues, Piedmont Blues, Regional Blues.
This CD completes Lonnie Johnson's prewar recordings with 23 titles (including four previously unreleased numbers from a club date) from the 1940-1942 period. Johnson is mostly heard in trios with such sidemen as pianists Lil Armstrong and Blind John Davis, and bassist Andrew Harris. There is only one instrumental ("Secret Emotions") but Johnson's guitar gets its spots along the way. Highlights include "Somebody's Got to Go," "Rambler's Blues," "The Devil's Woman," and "He's a Jelly-Roll Baker." ~ Scott Yanow
Credits: Lil Armstrong - guest artist, piano; Blind John Davis - piano; Dan Dixon - guitar, guitar (rhythm), vocals; Alfred Elkins - bass, guitar; Andrew Harris - bass, sax (baritone), string bass; James P. Johnson - composer; Lonnie Johnson - composer, guitar, guitar (rhythm), piano, primary artist, vocals; Johnny Parth - compilation producer, producer; Chris Smith - liner notes; Chris Frazer Smith - liner notes; Rudi Steager - executive producer.
Tracks: 1. Get Yourself Together; 2. Falling Rain (Live); 3. Rocks In My Bed No. 2 (Live); 4. Secret Emotions (Live); 5. More Rhythm (Live); 6. Crowing Rooster Blues; 7. That’s Love; 8. Somebody's Got To Go; 9. Lazy Woman Blues; 10. She Ain't Right; 11. Chicago Blues; 12. I Did All I Could; 13. In Love Again; 14. From 20 To 44; 15. The Last Call; 16. Rambler's Blues; 17. Lonesome Road; 18. Fly Right, Baby; 19. Baby, Remember Me; 20. The Devil's Woman; 21. Heart Of Iron; 22. He's A Jelly Roll Baker; 23. When You Feel Low Down.