Big Jack Johnson - Live In Chicago

Live in Chicago Review

 

by Cub Koda

Mississippi bluesman Johnson comes North to play in Chicago and the results are indeed satisfying. Taken from two different shows at two different venues (Hothouse and Buddy Guy's Legends) over a period of two years ('94 and '95), Johnson is ably backed by Aaron Burton's band with Lester "Mad Dog" Davenport contributing some nice harp on the set from the Legends show. Johnson keeps the set lists jumping, from straight-ahead blues ("Sweet Sixteen," "Black Rooster," "Fightin' Woman," Z.Z. Hill's "The Blues Is Alright") to Mississippi-juke-joint dance numbers (Hank Ballard's "The Twist," "Night Train") and even the stray 'hillbilly blues' number like "Pistol Packin' Mama" and Ivory Joe Hunter's "Since I Met You Baby." Sound is dodgy in spots, but Johnson's palpable energy comes through just fine. 

Big Jack Johnson   

Live In Chicago        

Track Listing

Recording Date

June 4, 1994 - March 4, 1995

Recording Location

• Guy's Legends, Chicago, IL
• Hothouse, Chicago, IL