Junior Watson – If I Had A Genie – Heart & Soul Records 10799 

It has always stupefied me why Junior Watson is not more widely known and revered, given his astonishing talent.  I’m not going to go into the Junior Watson back story; I’ll leave that for the Watson converts once they hear this collection and become confirmed fans.  Suffice it to say, though, that this jumping. swinging, romping, and wholly satisfying outing, in all its idyllic approaches, sounds as if were recorded by the masters of the halcyon days of jump and swing some fifty years prior.  Watson, for those in the know regarding his amazing guitar craftsmanship and dedication to tone, touch, and restraint, amazes with each note he offers on this sterling compilation.  Recorded in Austin, Texas at the Fort Horton Studio, and being only his second solo excursion eight years after his first, Watson assembled an ideal ensemble to assist hm in living out his envisioned musical concepts.  With guitar phenom Nick Curran, keyboard master Gene Taylor, low-end bass ace Kedar Roy, drummer extraordinaire Jimmy Mulleniux, and sax virtuoso Barron Shul in the ranks, engineer Billy Horton was able to capture Watson’s eclectic song mix, replete with his always-inventive guitar frameworks and vocals to perfection.  In addition to exciting originals, Watson chose prime covers by Boogie Jake, Johnny Otis, Lazy Lester, Bumblebee Slim, Pee Wee Crayton, Snooks Eaglin, Bobby Long, Felix And His Hot Peppers, Woo Woo Moore, Peppermint Harris, and Amos Milburn to titillate his audience’s sonic senses, and on every front, he was extremely successful.  There are no overdubs; this was all done “live,” even the vocal work.  This is the best replication of the classic 1940s/1950s blues/ump/swing era with zero, and I mean zero, sensation of imitation!  There is a reason that Watson’s extremely broad skill set has been in-demand for decades now; he is a master of command, pitch, and feel via his astounding guitar competencies. 

This is considered an essential modern-day blues/jump/swing jaunt.  Revel highly within it!

Below is the running track order of this sustaining musical getaway.

Song Titles

• Word About A Woman
• If I Had A Genie
• Early In The Morning
• Two Tacos
• Lonesome Old Feeling
• Blues After Hours
• Call Everybody Sweetheart
• Pleasure Is All Mine
• Flappin
• Something’s Wrong
• It’s You
• Spring-Roll
• House Party
• Strangest Woman