VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order • Volume 1 (1926-1927) DOCD-5316 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of four Document CDs that contain all of singer Victoria Spivey's pre-war recordings has her first 23 sides. Spivey made her initial reputation with her series of dark blues that were full of symbolism, such as her trademark "Black Snake Blues" -- snakes and tuberculosis were common topics in her lyrics. Her first four selections were recorded in St. Louis from May 11-13, 1926 (she was 19 at the time); she then relocated to New York. Spivey is heard backed by several ensembles led by pianist John Erby in August 1926 (including her first meetings with guitarist Lonnie Johnson) and on five pieces in October 1927 with Johnson and pianist Porter Grainger. By the time the latter sides were recorded, her style was becoming a little more lighthearted and softer but no less powerful. Among the highlights of this superior set are "Black Snake Blues," "Hoodoo Man Blues," "Spider Web Blues," "Got the Blues So Bad," "The Alligator Pond Went Dry," "T.B. Blues," and "Garter Snake Blues." This is highly recommended, as are the other three CDs in this important series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Black Snake Blues 3:08
Vocals, Piano – Victoria Spivey
2 Dirty Woman's Blues 3:10
Speech [Male] – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano – Victoria Spivey
3 Long Gone Blues 3:05
Cornet – Pierce Gist
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
4 No More Jelly Bean Blues 3:18
Cornet – Pierce Gist
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
5 Hoodoo Man Blues 2:40
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
6 Spider Web Blues 3:03
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
7 It's Evil Hearted Me 2:55
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
8 Santa Fe Blues 3:21
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
9 Humored And Petted Blues 2:27
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – Erby's Fidgety Five
Piano – John Erby
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Trumpet – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
10 Big Hoston Blues 2:45
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano [Prob.] – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
11 Got The Blues So Bad 3:02
Piano [Prob.] – John Erby
Violin – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
12 Blue Valley Blues 2:53
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Drums – Unknown Artist
Orchestra – Erby's Fidgety Five
Piano – John Erby
Trombone – Unknown Artist
Trumpet – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
13 Steady Grind 3:27
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
14 Idle Hour Blues 3:01
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
15 Arkansas Road Blues 3:20
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
16 The Alligator Pond Went Dry 2:44
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
17 No. 12 Let Me Roam 3:32
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
18 T-B Blues 3:15
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – John Erby
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
19 Garter Snake Blues 3:17
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
20 Christmas Morning Blues 3:28
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
21 Dope Head Blues 3:21
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
22 Red Lantern Blues 3:11
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
23 Blood Thirsty Blues 3:03
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Victoria Spivey

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order • Volume 2 (1927-1929) DOCD-5317 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey, who made her initial reputation with dark and somewhat scary blues lyrics, altered her style during the period covered by this second of four "complete" Document CDs. She is heard in a series of double entendre songs (usually issued in two parts) with singer/guitarist Lonnie Johnson, including "New Black Snake Blues," "Toothache Blues," "Furniture Man Blues," and "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now." Also, Spivey is heard with an all-star group led by pianist Clarence Williams (including cornetist King Oliver and guitarist Eddie Lang) that unfortunately does not get much space to stretch out; on two classic performances ("Funny Feathers" and "How Do You Do It that Way") on which she is joined by Louis Armstrong's Savoy Ballroom Five (with pianist Gene Anderson in Earl Hines' place); and guesting on two versions apiece of those same two songs with Henry "Red" Allen's Octet (which was really Luis Russell's Orchestra). Spivey, who was a strong singer from the start, is featured throughout in peak form, showing that she could not only sing blues but good-time jazz of the era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Nightmare Blues
2. Murder In The First Degree
3. Jelly Look What You Done Done
4. Your Worries Ain'T Like Mine
5. A Good Man Is Hard To Find
6. My Handy Man
7. Organ Grinder Blues (Take A)
8. Organ Grinder Blues (Take C)
9. New Black Snake Blues - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
10. New Black Snake Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
11. No Papa No!
12. Toothache Blues - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
13. Furniture Man Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
14. Furniture Man Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
15. Mosquito Fly And Flea
16. Toothache Blues - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
17. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now! - Part 1 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
18. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now! - Part 2 (Duet With Lonnie Johnson)
19. Funny Feathers
20. How Do You Do It That Way
21. Funny Feathers Blues (Take 1)
22. Funny Feathers Blues (Take 2)
23. How Do They Do It That Way (Take 1)
24. How Do They Do It That Way (Take 2)
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 21 to 24)
Banjo – Mancy Cara (tracks: 19, 20)
Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 21 to 24)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: 21 to 24), Omer Simeon (tracks: 6 to 8)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Cornet – King Oliver (tracks: 6 to 8)
Drums – Paul Barbarin (tracks: 21 to 24), Zutty Singleton (tracks: 19, 20)
Guitar – Eddie Lang (tracks: 6 to 8), Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 5, 9, 10, 17, 18)
Percussion – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 11)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 6 to 8, 11 to 16), Gene Anderson (tracks: 19, 20), Luis Russell (tracks: 21 to 24), Porter Grainger (tracks: 1 to 5)
Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey (tracks: 9, 10, 17, 18)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Strong (tracks: 19, 20), Teddy Hill (tracks: 21 to 24)
Trombone – Eddie Durham (tracks: 6 to 8), Fred Robinson (tracks: 19, 20), J. C. Higginbotham (tracks: 21 to 24)
Trumpet – Henry Allen (tracks: 21 to 24), Louis Armstrong (tracks: 19, 20)
Vocals – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 9, 10, 12 to 14, 16 to 18), Victoria Spivey

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order • Volume 3 (1929-1936) DOCD-5318 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey's ability to evolve with the times and often reinvent her style can be heard throughout the third of four CDs in Document's reissuance of her prewar recordings. She is heard singing classic blues on four numbers with an all-star group drawn from Luis Russell's Orchestra (including trumpeter Red Allen and trombonist J.C. Higginbotham) and on four other songs in which she is just backed by pianist Russell and guitarist Will Johnson. She investigates double entendre blues with the assistance of pianist/vocalist Porter Grainger and (for the two-part "Mama's Quittin' and Leavin'") with guitarist/singer Funny Paper Smith. For a 1931 date, Spivey does her take on hokum (particularly on "He Wants Too Much") with the help of pianist Georgia Tom Dorsey and guitarist Tampa Red. And on "Dreaming 'Bout My Man" she is backed by the pre-swing big band Hunter's Serenaders. This volume concludes by jumping ahead five years and featuring Spivey singing quite confidently with a first-rate Chicago-based swing band (including "Black Snake Swing"). Although not quite as essential as the first two volumes in this series, this set (and Vol. 4) is also easily recommended. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1. Blood Hound Blues
2. Dirty T.B. Blues
3. Moaning The Blues
4. Telephoning The Blues
5. New York Blues
6. Lonesome With The Blues
7. Showered With The Blues
8. Haunted By The Blues
9. You've Gotta Have What It Takes - Part 1
10. You've Gotta Have What It Takes - Part 2
11. Baulin' Water Blues - Part 1
12. Baulin' Water Blues - Part 2
13. Mama's Quittin' And Leavin' - Part 1
14. Mama's Quittin' And Leavin' - Part 2
15. Nebraska Blues
16. He Wants Too Much
17. Low Down Man Blues
18. Don't Trust Nobody Blues
19. Dreaming 'Bout My Man
20. Sweet Please
21. Black Snake Swing
22. I'll Never Fall In Love Again
23. T B's Got Me
Credits :
Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 1 to 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 20 to 23)
Brass Bass – Pops Foster (tracks: 4)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Drums – Bud Washington (tracks: 20 to 23)
Guitar – Teddy Bunn (tracks: 9 to 12), Will Johnson (tracks: 1 to 8)
Guitar [Prob.] – Tampa Red (tracks: 16 to 18)
Piano – Dorothy Scott (tracks: 20 to 23), Georgia Tom Dorsey (tracks: 16 to 18), Luis Russell (tracks: 1 to 8)
Piano [Poss.] – Charles Avery (tracks: 15), Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey (tracks: 20 to 23)
Saxophone – Chick Gordon (tracks: 20 to 23), Leon Washington (tracks: 20 to 23)
Soprano Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 1 to 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Teddy Hill (tracks: 1 to 3)
Trombone – J.C. Higginbotham (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Henry Allen* (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet [Prob.] – Randolph Scott (tracks: 20 to 23)
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Piano – Porter Grainger (tracks: 9 to 12)

VICTORIA SPIVEY — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order • Volume 4 (1936-1937) DOCD-5319 (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Victoria Spivey is best remembered today for her recordings in the 1920s and for her work with her Spivey label in the '60s, but she also made a fairly extensive series of records from 1936-1937. The final of her four Document CDs has all of the latter except for a few titles included on Vol. 3. The 22 cuts include ten previously unreleased performances. Spivey is joined by a variety of Chicago-based musicians on four of the five sessions: either Lee Collins (who gets carried away in spots) or Sheiks on trumpet; sometimes the erratic clarinetist Arnett Nelson; and a rhythm section with either Dorothy Scott, Black Bob, J.H. Shayne, Aletha Robinson or Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey on piano. (Big Bill Broonzy plays guitar on one session.) In addition, Spivey is heard on a New York date with five musicians who were with the Luis Russell Orchestra (which had become Louis Armstrong's backup group): pianist Russell, trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen, clarinetist Albert Nicholas, altoist Charlie Holmes, and bassist Pops Foster. Throughout, Spivey's voice is in fine form with the music ranging from good-time to Chicago-style blues. Highlights include "Mr. Freddie Blues," "Trouble in Mind," "Detroit Moan," "I Ain't Gonna Let You See My Santa Claus," "One Hour Mama," and "Good Cabbage." Although not as essential as her earlier work, this CD is worth picking up. It seems strange that Spivey (who up to the late '30s managed to stay fairly up to date) did not hook up with a swinging big band; instead, she would not record again until 1961. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1. Dreaming of You [take 1]
2. Dreaming of You [take 2]
3. I Can't Last Long
4. Mr. Freddie Blues [take 1]
5. Mr. Freddie Blues [take 2]
6. Trouble in Mind
7. Hollywood Stomp
8. Detroit Moan
9. Any-Kind-a-Man [take 1]
10. Any-Kind-a-Man [take 2]
11. I Ain't Gonna Let You See My Santa Claus
12. One Hour Mama
13. Harlem Susie-Kue
14. Give It to Him [take 1]
15. Give It to Him [take 2]
16. Got the Blues So Bad
17. Down Hill Pull
18. From 1 to 12 (Dirty Dozen)
19. Good Cabbage
20. Time Ain't Long [take 1]
21. Time Ain't Long [take 2]
22. Don't Love No Married Man
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Charlie Holmes (tracks: 12 to 16)
Bass – John Lindsay (tracks: 7 to 11), Pops Foster (tracks: 12 to 16), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 3)
Bass [Prob.] – John Lindsay (tracks: 4 to 6)
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas (tracks: 12 to 16), Arnett Nelson (tracks: 4 to 11)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Bill Owsley (tracks: 20 to 22)
Compilation Producer – Johnny Parth
Drums – Bud Washington (tracks: 1 to 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 4 to 6)
Drums [Prob.] – Fred Williams (tracks: 17 to 22)
Guitar [Poss.] – Big Bill Broonzy (tracks: 4 to 6)
Piano – Black Bob (tracks: 3), Dorothy Scott (tracks: 1, 2), J. H. Shayne (tracks: 4 to 11), Luis Russell (tracks: 12 to 16), Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey (tracks: 1, 2)
Piano [Prob.] – Aletha Robinson (tracks: 17 to 22)
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Trumpet – Henry Allen (tracks: 12 to 16), Lee Collins (tracks: 1 to 3, 7 to 11)
Trumpet [Prob.] – Mr. Sheiks (tracks: 17)
Vocals – Victoria Spivey (tracks: 1 to 3)

LUIS RUSSELL AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1926-1929 | The Chronogical Classics – 588 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics Russell collection and the label's later 1929-1934 disc round up the entire output by the Panamanian bandleader. And while some know them better for the fact they eventually morphed into Louis Armstrong's first big band in the early '30s, Russell's outfit originally cut some of the best sides to surface during the music's transition from early jazz to big band music. The cream of the tracks were recorded between 1929-1930, when the group included such top soloists as trumpeter Henry Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, saxophonists Charlie Holmes and Albert Nicholas, bassist Pops Foster, and drummer Paul Barbarin. The majority of the collection spotlights this period, with such standouts as "Jersey Lightning," "The New Call of the Freaks," and "African Jungle." Starting things off, though, are eight numbers from Russell's first sessions as a leader (this was while he was still with King Oliver). Featuring Victoria Spivey on vocals and two Jell Roll Morton alums in Kid Ory and George Mitchell, the Chicago-cut sides, while not on par with the later large-band tracks, still impress with their mix of New Orleans and Chicago styles. A quality disc that's best left to completists; newcomers should first consider JSP's superior-sounding Savoy Shout collection as a starting point. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist + Credits :

HENRY "RED" ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1929-1933 | The Chronogical Classics – 540 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of a five-volume CD series released by the European Classics label that reissues all of the recordings led by trumpeter Red Allen during 1929-41 is one of the best. The great trumpeter is first heard fronting the Luis Russell Orchestra for such classics as "It Should Be You" and "Biff'ly Blues," he interacts with blues singer Victoria Spivey, and on the selections from 1933 (two of which were previously unreleased) he co-leads a group with tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. Not all of the performances are gems but there are many memorable selections including "How Do They Do It That Way," "Pleasin' Paul," "Sugar Hill Function,," and "Patrol Wagon Blues." Other soloists include trombonists J.C. Higginbottham and Dicky Wells, clarinetist Albert Nicholas and altoist Charlie Holmes. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

LONNIE JOHNSON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order ★ Volume 4 • 1928-1929 | DOCD-5066 (1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The period of time covered in the fourth of seven Lonnie Johnson Document CDs found the guitarist/singer being well-featured as a leader in many settings. He is heard on three two-part double-entendre performances with singer Victoria Spivey ("New Black Snake Blues," "Toothache Blues," and "Furniture Man Blues"); on five guitar duets with the great Eddie Lang (during which Lang was billed as Blind Willie Dunn); in a vocal duet with Spencer Williams; on the two-part "It Feels So Good" with Lang, King Oliver, and Hoagy Carmichael; as part of Blind Willie Dunn's Gin Bottle Four; and as a solo blues performer. Everything works. Considering that this is a strictly chronological release, the music is consistently rewarding, making this one of the key Lonnie Johnson CDs to pick up. Scott Yanow

Experience the brilliance of Lonnie Johnson in Volume 4: 1928-1929 Blues and Jazz Sessions. These recordings showcase his groundbreaking guitar work and collaborations with jazz and blues legends. Highlights of this collection:

Duets with Eddie Lang, including the iconic Blue Guitars.
Vocal duets with Victoria Spivey and Spencer Williams.
Performances with King Oliver and Hoagy Carmichael.
Signature tracks like Crowing Rooster Blues and Broken Levee Blues.

Lonnie Johnson’s music bridges blues, jazz, and country traditions. His clear, logical guitar playing influenced generations of musicians. This album is essential for fans of early jazz and blues. Comprehensive Sleeve notes. DOCD-5066
Tracklist :
1    Lonnie Johnson–    I'm So Tired Of Living All Alone 3:04
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
2    Lonnie Johnson–    Way Down That Lonesome Road 2:40
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
3    Lonnie Johnson–    Crowing Rooster Blues 2:38
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
4    Lonnie Johnson–    Broken Levee Blues 3:23
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
5    Lonnie Johnson–    Wrong Woman Blues 2:52
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
6    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    New Black Snake Blues - Part 1 2:53
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey
7    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson-    New Black Snake Blues - Part 2 2:47
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey
8    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    Toothache Blues - Part 1 2:46
Piano – Clarence Williams
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
9    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    Furniture Man Blues - Part 1 3:05
Piano – Clarence Williams
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
10    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    Furniture Man Blues - Part 2 3:06
Piano – Clarence Williams
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
11    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    Toothache Blues - Part 2 3:20
Piano – Clarence Williams
Vocals – Victoria Spivey
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
12    Lonnie Johnson–    When You Fall For Some One That's Not Your Own 3:17
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
13    Lonnie Johnson–    Careless Love 2:54
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
14    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    Two Tone Stomp 2:59
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
15    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    Have To Change Keys To Play These Blues 3:00
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
16    Lonnie Johnson & Spencer Williams–    It Feels So Good - Part 1 3:15
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Spencer Williams
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
17    Lonnie Johnson & Spencer Williams–    It Feels So Good - Part 2 2:57
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Spencer Williams
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
18    Lonnie Johnson & Jimmy Foster–    I Want A Little Some O' That What You Got 3:25
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Jimmy Foster
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
19    Lonnie Johnson & Spencer Williams–    Death Is On Your Track 3:04
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Lonnie Johnson, Spencer Williams
20    Blind Willie Dunn's Gin Bottle Four–    Jet Black Blues 2:59
Cornet – King Oliver
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
Percussion, Vocals – Hoagy Carmichael
Piano – J.C. Johnson
21    Blind Willie Dunn's Gin Bottle Four–    Blue Blood Blues 2:58
Cornet – King Oliver
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
Percussion, Vocals – Hoagy Carmichael
Piano – J.C. Johnson
22    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    Guitar Blues 3:13
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
23    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    A Handful of Riffs 3:05
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
24    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    Blue Guitars 3:10
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson 

LONNIE JOHNSON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order ★ Volume 5 • 1929-1930 | DOCD-5067 (1991) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Lonnie Johnson straddled the boundaries between blues and jazz during the 1927-1930 period before deciding to stick to the former. This 22-song collection features five guitar duets with Eddie Lang (including "Bull Frog Moan" and "Hot Fingers"), vocal duets with Spencer Williams (including "It Feels So Good Parts 3 and 4" and "Once or Twice"), Victoria Spivey (the two-part "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now") and Clarence Williams ("Wipe It Off"), and such blues numbers as "From Now on Make Your Whoopee at Home," "She's Making Whoopee in Hell Tonight," and "Another Woman Booked Out and Bound to Go." Lonnie Johnson at his best. Scott Yanow

Historic recordings featuring Lonnie Johnson’s mastery of blues and jazz guitar.
Collaborations with Eddie Lang, Victoria Spivey, Spencer Williams, and James P. Johnson.
Includes rare vocal-guitar duets and pioneering jazz-guitar pieces.
Features classics like Sundown Blues, Falling Rain Blues, and She’s Making Whoopee In Hell Tonight.
A blend of blues, hokum, jazz, and heartfelt storytelling.

Lonnie Johnson Blues and Jazz Sessions    Track Features

Sundown Blues: A reimagining of Alec Johnson’s version.
She’s Making Whoopee In Hell Tonight: Basis for King Solomon Hill’s Whoopee Blues.
Instrumentals like Bull Frog Moan showcase Lonnie’s innovative guitar techniques.
Duets with Victoria Spivey, blending playful hokum with emotional depth. DOCD-5067
Tracklist :
1    Lonnie Johnson And Blind Willie Dunn–    Bull Frog Moan 3:16
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
2    Lonnie Johnson And Spencer Williams–    It Feels So Good - Part 3 3:10
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Spencer Williams
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
3    Lonnie Johnson And Spencer Williams–    It Feels So Good - Part 4 2:54
Piano – J.C. Johnson
Vocals – Spencer Williams
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
4    Lonnie Johnson–    You Can't Give A Woman Everything She Needs 3:19
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
5    Lonnie Johnson–    Sundown Blues 3:03
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
6    Lonnie Johnson–    From Now On, Make Your Whoopee At Home 2:57
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
7    Lonnie Johnson–    Mr. Johnson's Blues No. 2 2:55
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Guitar, Violin – Lonnie Johnson
8    Lonnie Johnson–    Baby, Please Don't Leave Home No More 3:05
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
9    Lonnie Johnson–    The New Fallin' Rain Blues 3:11
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Violin – Lonnie Johnson
10    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now - Part 1 3:02
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey
11    Victoria Spivey & Lonnie Johnson–    You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now - Part 2 3:03
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Victoria Spivey
12    Blind Willie Dunn And Lonnie Johnson–    Deep Minor Rhythm Stomp 3:10
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
13    Blind Willie Dunn And Lonnie Johnson–    Midnight Call (Blues) 3:14
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
14    Blind Willie Dunn And Lonnie Johnson–    Hot Fingers 2:57
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
15    Blind Willie Dunn And Lonnie Johnson–    Blue Room Blues 3:04
Guitar – Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson
16    Lonnie Johnson–    She's Making Whoopee In Hell Tonight 3:09
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
17    Lonnie Johnson–    Another Woman Booked Out And Bound To Go 3:10
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
18    Lonnie Johnson And Spencer Williams–    Once Or Twice 3:07
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Scraper [Prob.] – Spencer Williams
19    Lonnie Johnson And Spencer Williams–    Monkey And The Baboon 2:57
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Scraper [Prob.] – Spencer Williams
Wood Block, Vocals – Clarence Williams
20    Lonnie Johnson And Clarence Williams–    Wipe It Off 3:17
Piano – James P. Johnson
Scraper [Prob.] – Spencer Williams
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Vocals [Falsetto Vcl] – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
21    Lonnie Johnson–    Death Valley Is Just Half Way To My Home 3:26
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
22    Lonnie Johnson–    Headed For Southland 3:19
Vocals, Guitar – Lonnie Johnson