Steady Rollin' Man
Robert Jr. Lockwood has the unusual distinction of being Robert Johnson's stepson, but he actually does not sound much like him. Influenced as much by Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker as by the country bluesman, Lockwood grew to become a strong stylist in his own right. Joined by a fine back up trio (guitarist Louis Myers, bassist Dave Myers, and drummer Fred Below), Lockwood is relaxed and swinging on these 12 selections, which include two 'new' alternate takes and three instrumentals. A laidback guitarist with inner passion and an easy-to-understand singer, Robert Jr. Lockwood's music is quite accessible to listeners, serving as a window to the more esoteric style of his legendary stepfather. This highly enjoyably reissue from Delmark should satisfy a wide variety of listeners. --Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz SceneThis has been a classic blues album since the day it was released in 1973. It's a beautiful statement of one man's genius. Lockwood was one of the top session guitarists in Chicago during the 1950s, featured on sides by everyone from Muddy Waters to the Moonglows.Steady Rollin' Manwas his first album as a leader. It's true that the majority of the cuts are old numbers, but Lockwood's re-workings can breathe life into the stalest tune. His playing is so skillful and the band so fine that the recordings always sound fresh... This is an album that belongs in every blues lover's collection. --Brett Bonner, Living BluesMany folks say that if Robert Johnson had lived into the electric guitar era and had played with a full band, he would have sounded something like Elmore James. That could be, but I think he also would have sounded something like Robert Jr. Lockwood. After all, Johnson taught his stepson to play guitar - others had to learn from his records. This is pure electric blues: no horns, harmonica or keyboards. Lockwood is backed only by the second guitar of Louis Myers, the electric bass of Dave Myers, and the drums of Fred Below (all three Chicago vets). Not surprisingly, Lockwood does several Johnson covers, but he does them better than almost anyone else, and right. --Jim Maher, Baltimore City Paper