Johnny Copeland – Ain’t Nothin’ But A Party – Rounder Records C-2055

Many years ago, on a Thursday night at the first incarnation of Buddy Guy’s Legends nightclub in the city’s South Loop area, I was witness to Johnny Copeland putting on a clinic of how simply phoning-it-in on a slow mid-week club date was just not in his performing DNA.  Rather, for the perhaps thirty or forty true blues fans in attendance, Copeland drained his tank and that of his cheering admirers, yours truly included, leaving everyone believing, without any shadow of a doubt, that Copeland’s blues passion was real and deep rooted.  Each droplet of sweat on his face and that which had thoroughly soaked his shirt were hard-earned, and the delight of that evening’s performance still echoes strongly in my mind all these years later.

This explosive six-song outing was recorded at a 1987 Houston, Texas Juneteenth celebration.  There is nothing formulaic to any part of Copeland’s drive, given that had probably performed “Baby Please Don’t Go” and Big Time” hundreds, if not thousands of times, over his career.  His voice is a sledgehammer of blues competencies; high-spirited to the highest standards.  There is a vital, fresh guitar attack deployed, with Copeland’s shuffle designs decidedly both invigorating and inspiring.

His band plays tightly and enthused, taking the audience to the summit of energetic arousal.  A shout-out must be afforded to sax man Bert McGowan for his part in all this blues euphoria; he cooks!  The whole of the energy level is at the pinnacle of possibility.

This 1988 Rounder Records release ideally frames Copeland’s strong brand of Texas blues.  This magnetic collection was reviewed via cassette tape, though a CD version is also available.  Once a listener is formidably seized by the opening title cut, there’s no turning back on this gripping collection.

Highly recommended, indeed!