During Johnnie Johnson’s lifetime, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame pianist was considered one of the most important musicians during rock’s early years. As a member of Chuck Berry‘s band, he was all over songs such as “Maybelline”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Too Much Monkey Business”, “School Days”, and other seminal hits. In fact, Berry’s signature tune, “Johnny B. Goode”, was reported to be a tribute to Johnson’s natural genius.
Johnson died at age 80 some 20 years ago, but a new record was recorded shortly before his demise, and it has just been released. I’m Just Johnnie features the pianist in a relaxed setting with celebrity guest stars including Bruce Hornsby, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Rivers, and John Sebastian. While the album may lack the fire of his initial Chess recordings, it offers its share of delights.
The music is bluesy with a wink of charm. After all, he’s just Johnnie, not John. The informality is intentional. This is good-time music. His backing band comprises St. Louis musicians who display the city’s fine musical reputation for rollicking barroom fun. Songs such as “Three Handed Woman” and “Broke the Bank” (which features John Sebastian on harmonica) offer sly, humorous lyrics sung over infectious playing. Johnson’s piano keeps the rhythm moving so the other band members can take solos, harmonize, and shine. Johnson’s voice may show his age, but that works to show his experience as he smilingly warns one about deceitful lovers.
Bruce Hornsby and Bonnie Raitt join Johnson on the blues standard “Everyday I Have the Blues”. They keep the pace bright. Johnson seems particularly inspired by his guests, who show off their instrumental chops and voices. Raitt also joins Johnson on a spirited cover of Louis Jordan‘s “Let the Good Times Roll”. The lead vocal on the track is provided by Kenny Rice, who plays drums on all but two of the album’s 12 songs.
Johnny Rivers wrote two songs for the record, “Lo Down” and “Johnnie Johnson’s Blues”. He plays electric guitar on the syncopated numbers. Henry Lawrence, an All-Pro tackle with the Super Bowl-winning Raiders’ NFL team, sings lead on “Lo Down” and “Stagger Lee”. St Louis singer Charles Glenn sings lead on two of the album’s catchiest tracks, “I Get Weary” and “Heebie Jeebies”. Glenn’s emotive phrasing complements Johnson’s piano playing style as he gives the keys a workout.
I’m Just Johnnie is a two-CD set. The musical part ends with an appropriately upbeat instrumental elegy called “Long Gone”. The second CD comprises interviews Johnson had with Radio Hall of Fame DJ Pat St. John about the musician’s career. Raitt is also on the second disc talking about the artist.
It has been at least two decades since these recordings were made initially, but the music has a timeless quality. They won’t change anybody’s mind about the pianist’s abilities or blow them away as much as they present a pleasant diversion. That’s a good thing in and of itself. Sometimes we just need to smile and chill.