Born in Virginia and established in Chicago, singer Shirley Johnson is in the classic tradition--based in gospel, and inspired by the blues and secular R&B of Etta James, Little Milton, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. BLUES ATTACK is the product of Johnson's tenure on the Chicago blues scene, though it's not strictly limited to blues songs. She's got the indomitable grit of Chicago-style blues but she channels it into scorching R&B (as exemplified by Little Milton and Etta James) and old-school, pre-disco era soul (Mavis Staples, Ann Pebbles).
Shirley is back with that same blend of traditional good-rockin' Chicago blues, smoldering R&B and poppin' soul she is known for. Almost all of the 14 songs on Blues Attack are new original compositions by various musicians on the CD however they are great.
Liner Note Author: David Whiteis.
Recording information: Riverside Studio, Chicago, IL (06/24/2008-06/26/2009).
Arranger: Roberta Thomas.
Personnel: Shirley Johnson (vocals); Luke Pytel (guitar); Hank Ford, Lawrence Fields (tenor saxophone); Willie Henderson (baritone saxophone); Kenny Anderson (trumpet); Cordell Teague (drums); Roberta Thomas (tambourine, background vocals).
1. You're Reckless
2. Blues Attack
3. My Baby Played Me for a Fool
4. 634-5789
5. Just Like That
6. You Shouldn't Have Been There
7. I'm Going to Find Me a Lover
8. Felt So Good
9. Unchain My Heart
10. Selfish Kind of Gal
11. Take Your Foot Off My Back
12. Lost And Alone
13. Let It Rain
14. You Just Using Me
Just as a bluegrass festival might attract a country singer who's too country for country radio, Chicago's blues scene is a good place to hear classic soul singing in the '60s/'70s sense. For decades, soul has been an important part of the menu in many of the Windy City's blues clubs -- Chicago is full of talented blues singers who are also talented soul singers, and few of the city's blues clubs are going to reject someone simply because he/she doesn't stick to the 12-bar format 100 percent of the time. Soul, in fact, is an important part of what Shirley Johnson does on her first Delmark release, Killer Diller, which was recorded in 1996, 2000, and 2001. The gritty, big-voiced Chicago resident (originally from Norfolk, VA) offers plenty of Chicago-style electric blues on this CD, including "The Blues Is All I've Got" and Willie Dixon's "Killer Diller." But for Johnson, being blues-oriented doesn't mean being a blues purist, and she brings a healthy appreciation of classic, pre-urban contemporary R&B to "No Deposit, No Return" and Sam Cooke's "Somebody Have Mercy." Another highlight of the album is Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing," which Johnson gives a somewhat Tina Turner-ish makeover. Johnson can also handle gospel, although she sticks to secular lyrics on Killer Diller (except for Leiber & Stoller's "Saved," which was a hit for LaVern Baker). No one will accuse Johnson of being an innovator; while Koko Taylor and Etta James were the leaders, Johnson is among the followers. But if Johnson is derivative, she's also expressive, highly enjoyable, and good at what she does. Anyone who has spent a lot of time listening to Taylor, James, and similar vocalists should have no problem getting into Killer Diller. ~ Alex Henderson
Shirley Johnson is an outstanding vocalist who finds herself in the vanguard of a remarkable revival of the Chicago female blues singer. For many years she has been an able ambassador, here & abroad, representing both the blues & gospel traditions. She h
Recorded at Riverside Studio, Chicago, Illinois on February 21, 1996, July 22, 2000, May 17-22, 2001. Includes liner notes by Justin O'Brien.
Personnel: Shirley Johnson (vocals); Roberta Thomas (vocals); John Primer, Johnny B. Moore, Maurice John Vaughn, Rockin' Johnny, Robert Ward (guitar); Hank Ford (tenor saxophone); Willie Henderson (baritone saxophone); Kenny Anderson (trumpet); Roosevelt Purifoy, Allen Batts (piano, organ); Baldhead Pete, Tim Austin (drums); Kelly Littleton (bass drum).
Recording information: Riverside Studio, Chicago, IL (02/21/1996-10/15/2001).
Photographer: Peter Amft.
Personnel includes: Shirley Johnson (vocals); Robert Ward, John Primer, Johnny B. Moore, Maurice John Vaughn.
1. Not for the Love of You
2. Killer Diller
3. Your Turn To Cry
4. Somebody Have Mercy
5. As The Years Go Passing By *
6. No Deposit, No Return
7. Hard-Lovin' Mama
8. Blues Is All I've Got
9. Little Wing
10. For You My Love
11. Love Abuse
12. It Hurts Me Too
13. Missed the Best Chance
14. Saved
1. I've Got To Find Me A Lover
2. Too Many Irons In the Fire
3. Hat Up
4. I'm A Fool For You
5. Drowning in the Sea of Love
6. News Is Bad
7. Make Me Feel Real Good Tonigh
8. Trying to Make It Over
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