The Unsung Blues Legend

By TERRY TEACHOUT

A blues giant of the '20s and '30s, singer-guitarist Lonnie Johnson had more than one style in his quiver. He recorded with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, and had a gentle, affectionate way with sentimental ballads like Prisoner of Love. This CD, informally recorded 35 years ago in a friend's living room and released now for the first time, captures him in a relaxed and expansive mood, working musical miracles for a handful of devoted admirers. St. Louis Blues is sly and caressing, I'm Confessin' sweetly heartfelt.

--By Terry Teachout