I’m Just Johnnie
Missouri Morning, 2025
9/10
The legendary piano player and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson is in the company of some amazing guests for this double CD package, where 13 lively tracks and a disc entirely of interviews arrives 20 years after his death.
Johnson’s lively keys and powerful pipes open the listen with “I’m Just Johnnie”, as Kenny Rice’s scrappy drums guide the smooth blues rock, and “I Get Weary” follows with a thoughtful mood via Paul Willett’s cozy organ and Dickie Steltenpohl’s warm bass.
Moving along, Bruce Hornsby’s keys enter the punchy and dance floor ready “Every Day I Have The Blues”, while “Let The Good Times Roll” recruits Bonnie Raitt’s unmistakable slide guitar to the bright brass and festive spirit.
Landing closer to the end, the grooves and rhythm of “Johnnie Johnson Blues” enlists Johnny Rivers’ meticulous guitar playing, and “Long Gone” exits with Tom Maloney’s lively guitar complementing Johnson’s animated keys amid the scrappy rhythm section.
Disc 2 contains interviews with Radio Hall of Fame and SiriusXM DJ Pat St. John, and also includes Raitt talking about Johnson, which gives us further insight into the seminal artist who played on many of Chuck Berry’s recordings.
Johnson passed away in 2005 and left so much great music behind in the area of blues, jazz and rock’n’roll. These timeless tracks are further proof of that, and serve as a great introduction for the first time listener or a healthy reminder for the unwavering fan.
Travels well with: Chris Vincent & The Raw Deals- Good Crook; Jimmy Vivino- Gonna Be 2 Of Those Days