Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson – Country Sugar Papa – Bullseye Blues CD BB 9546 

This 1994 release was envisioned as a priority by the brass at Bullseye Blues, as they considered Johnson as one of the blues artists they coveted; he was a “must” for the label when it started out.  Johnson personifies the Chicago west side guitar style of crashing chords and innovative single-string runs.  If you haven’t heard Johnson’s guitar work before, think of the efforts of fellow west side bluesman Jimmy Dawkins.  Powerful, distorted, and ringing; Johnson’s blues is atomic in its ferocity. 

Johnson leapt into blues consciousness when he served his seven-year apprenticeship in Muddy Waters’ band from the early 1970s to 1980.  His tenure with Waters and his band provided him valuable touring experience and visibility opportunities, as he gained exposure in Europe, Japan, Australia, and across the U.S. 

Before reaching acclaim with Waters, Johnson played with blues artists including Tall Milton Sheldon, Willie Kent, the aforementioned Jimmy Dawkins, Bobby Rush, Sunnyland Slim, Magic Sam, and Little Addison, among others.    

This 13-track outing realizes scorching, soul-stained levels of achievement, pushed forward by Johnson’s unrelenting, resonation guitar journeys, and passionate vocals.  This is not blues for the squeamish, and the unfurled energy is merciless.  This is a compilation of blues eruptions, each encased within the confines of three-to-five-minute soul-bearing junkets.

Backing Johnson here are an exceptional congregation of high blues talent, including “Sax” Gordon Beadle, bassist “Buster” Wylie, pianist Eric Moore, and drummer Keith Smith.  But, the proceedings are further enhanced by guest turns by Hammond B-3 organist Ron Levy, harmonica man Richard Rosenblatt, John Abrahamen on trumpet, baritone sax man “Tino” Barker, and “Buck” & “Bird” Taylor lending background vocal support.  A more ideal assemblage to frame Johnson’s blues visions could not have been amassed.

Each time I turn to this CD, I listen to it from beginning-to-end; it is that captivating. 

Johnson played a local show in the late 1980s on Kamm Island in Mishawaka, Indiana with his crack touring band, The Magic Rockers.  The picture below is from that performance.

If you like your blues tough, confident, in-your-face, and pounding, then here’s the resolution to your yearning.  Sit back, and let Johnson’s brawny blues move you.

Highly-recommended!  Absolutely!