Running Jumping Standing Still
Spider John Koerner made his name in the '60s by picking out acoustic urban blues with the Minneapolis trio of Koerner, Ray, & Glover. He romps a little harder than usual onRunning, Jumping, Standing Still, obviously grooving on the extra energy of pianist Willie Murphy. Koerner's folk roots get liberally sprinkled with ragtime, rock & roll, and barrelhouse boogie-woogie courtesy of Murphy's magic fingers. Murphy also sings lead on two tracks, including the long, jazzy piano workout "Old Brown Dog." Koerner and his booming guitar shine on the strutting "Red Palace," the low-key "I Ain't Blue," and the title track.-- Michael Ruby