CD Review
Syl and Jimmy Johnson
Two Johnson's Are Better Than One
(Evidence Records)
by Dick Houff
Review date: November 2002
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
The Johnson Brothers put out a damn fine recording with this disc. The material is all original compositions by Syl, and Jimmy. Now, most blues fans are going to be familiar with Jimmy's work and discography: Delmark, Alligator, Verve, and Ruf Records-some classic sides with Alligator caught my attention early on. Syl, on the other hand, was a soul singer with quite a few sides recorded on the old Federal label, plus Chicago-based labels like One-derful, TMP-Ting, and Special Agent. During the early 60's it wasn't uncommon to record 45s on a string of independent record labels. Syl's first hit was in 1967: "Come On Sock It To Me." The record made it to the number 12 position on the R&B charts. Syl ran into some good luck and later, opened a chain of fish restaurants . His career lasted into the 80's (about the time he opened the chain). Many musicians tire from the repetition of playing the same songs night after night. However, I don't think Syl ever really left the business completely-this album has no rust in regards to Syl! Jimmy, on the other hand, took off in 1959, and has been busy ever since. On this record, the brothers Johnson strut their stuff-the competitiveness between the two is something to behold. What I catch, is a whole lot of love and respect for each other from the opening track: "Two Johnson's Are Better Than One," to the final track: "Bottoms Up." A five star recording and a must have for the racks.
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
|
Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Copyright © 2002 Ray M. Stiles All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
|
|