Big Jack Johnson with Kim Wilson and Special Guest Pinetop Perkins
"The Memphis Barbecue Sessions"
M.C. Records MC-0045

By Roger M. Spoto

Big Jack Johnson, a guitarist/vocalist from Clarksdale, Mississippi, is know for his work with The Jelly Roll Kings (with Frank Frost and Sam Carr) and his touring band The Oilers. But he returns to his deepest Delta roots with an acoustic CD that strikes all the right chords (literally and figuratively) with this fine effort. Kim Wilson's harp is outstanding but unobtrusive throughout as is Pinetop's delicately woven keys. Check out Johnson's mandolin on Little Walters' "Don't Care Nothing" as well as his vocals on Howlin' Wolfs' "Smokehouse Lightning" and you'll hear understated Blues elegance. Big Jack also covers classic tunes by John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Eddie Jones. The treatment of Elmore James' "Dust My Broom", led by Wilson's driving diatonic depth and sweet slide from Jack may be the finest acoustic cover of this tune you'll ever hear. Lively licks from both artists in solo and duet mode capture the true feel and emotion of the smokiest southern jukes. When Sam Carr took sick just before recording started, label owner and producer Mark Carpentieri took over the drum kit and provided a solid backdrop. The CD is aptly named - plenty of barbecue at these sessions, every cut has that special sauce and it will satisfy any Blues appetite.

Dig in.