专辑简介

If the first volume of Merline Johnson's complete recordings was highly rewarding, volume two is utterly essential, as it contains some of her all-time best, most exciting, and jazz-infused performances. Susceptible listeners may find it difficult to remain seated during "Running Down My Man" (which sounds a lot like one of Washboard Sam's upbeat creations), as a fine trumpeter (possibly Punch Miller) and a tenor saxophonist (probably Bill Owsley) swing like mad atop a well-oiled rhythm section that includes pianist Blind John Davis and electrically amplified guitarist George Barnes. This level of enjoyment is maintained during a kicking cover of Louis Armstrong's "Ol' Man Mose" and a brusque version of "Don't You Leave Me Here," previously recorded by Monette Moore with Charlie Johnson's Original Paradise Ten in 1927 and by wandering Texas guitarist Henry Thomas in 1929. Identified as the Louisiana Kid on Vocalion C-2296 ("Separation Blues"), Punch puts his horn down and sings a duet with the Yas Yas Girl.