Personnel: Jimmy Johnson (vocals, guitar, harp); Jimmy Johnson (vocals, guitar, harp); Rico McFarland (guitar); Jerry Wilson (tenor saxophone); Carl Snyder (piano); Dino Alvarez (drums).
Liner Note Author: Steve Thomashefsky.
Recording information: Sound Studios, Chicago, IL (10/12/1978/02/13/1979).
Photographer: John Alderson.
Uncommon wit runs through the lyrics of this varied set, certainly one of the more intriguing Chicago blues albums of the late '70s. Johnson's high-pitched vocals are particularly soulful on the impassioned "I Need Some Easy Money" and "Ashes in My Ashtray," while "The Twelve Bar Blues" and "Poor Boy's Dream" are upbeat entries that don't sound as comfortable for the guitarist. Johnson gets away with a honky-tonk reprise of Ernest Tubb's country classic "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin," but his rehash of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" should have stayed on the bandstand. ~ Bill Dahl
Professional Reviews
Down Beat (11/91) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "..a cleverly crafted showcase for Johnson's gospelly tenor and Magic Sam-influenced guitar..."
