Johnny Young – Johnny Young And His Friends – Testament Records TCD 5003 

You want that heralded Chicago blues sound that so changed the very face of the genre when it migrated from the south to the northern urban centers, blues that is skillfully tended and presented by a host of Chicago blues legends who understand how to ideally play within an ensemble setting?  Then, rest assured, your desires are fully met with this collection of extraordinary blues recorded in Chicago between 1962-1966.

The 18 selections offered here bag the magic that comes when blues collaborators whose relationships go back many years easily and comfortably interact in the studio with performances that bring out the best in Young’s style, a variety that can best be labeled as cool, relaxed, and laidback. 

The blues presented here run the gamut of themes, from melancholy to philosophical to high-spirited, with every derivation of life’s temperaments in between represented.

Young is presented here in a solo format and in modest band aggregations, with his unwavering dedication to deepness of feeling at the front, whether it be any of the dispositions mentioned above.  There is, in general, an effortless lack of complexity to both Young’s blues and his singing and playing.  And speaking of his playing, whether it’s his guitar or mandolin outpourings, both are of the highest order.  His skills on both instruments are remarkable for their effect and efficiency.  Bravo!

Young’s voice is emotive, yet in all the right ways it is restrained in respect to the subject matter at the heart of the blues being sung; he makes the story the show, and does not attempt to overstep in volume or unnecessary histrionics.

The convened backing blues talent accompanying Young is the stuff of blues dreams.  Slim Willis, Walter Horton, Little Walter, and John Wrencher tender their broad harmonica skill sets here, Otis Spann, Jimmy Young, and Jimmy Walter provide sterling piano energies, Robert Whitehead comports himself strongly on drums, Robert Nighthawk shines on guitar, while Young intones his blues while proffering his spacious mandolin and guitar proficiencies.

This is the blues presented by an engrossed roster of blues artists who were apparently delighted in the company of one another, and whose flairs and essences were moved to produce blues of the topmost distinction.

Simply, this is classic Chicago blues, the likes of which are most likely now echoes in the past.  Do yourself a favor and pursue a copy of this Johnny Young outing for your blues collection.

This is highly-essential blues, indeed!