JIMMY JOHNSON
Every Road Ends Somewhere (Ruf)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Jimmy Johnson is one of those blues players that have been around. Sure, he's toured with Grammy-winning Otis Rush and he's been a popular Chicago bluesman for years. You can feel it in his playing, and hear it in his singing. Recorded live in Paris in 1997, Every Road Ends Somewhere, reminds me of great Chicago blues I heard growing up in the 60's and 70's. The little blues label that could, Germany's Ruf Records, has released another fine CD that's in keeping with a fine catalogue that includes the Walter Trout Band and the late, great Luther Allison, among many other talented blues players. There's solid helpings of electric blues on "Roots of All Evil," "Cut You Loose," and "Everyday of Your Life." Jimmy adds a little funky reggae on "The Street You Live On" and it rocks, steady. Every Road Ends Somewhere is a satisfying bunch of blues tunes, but my favorite captures one of Chicago's best on "End of the Road" with the late Luther Allison sitting in.

Track List:

Roots Of All Evil * My Babe By My Side * 3. Blue Monday * Rock And A Hard Place 5. The Street You Live On * Ain't No Way * Black Night * Cut You Loose * End Of The Road * Everyday Of Your Life

© 2000 - Eric Steiner