Johnny Jones - Doin' The Best I Can

Jones, Johnny

Johnny Jones was one of an elite group of Chicago blues pianists. Apart from Jones himself, you could choose between his cousin Otis Spann, Sunnyland Slim, Memphis Slim and Little Brother Montgomery.Born in 1925 in Mississippi, Johnny Joneswas claimed by Little Brother Montgomery as one of his proteges. Johnny's mother Mary played piano in church. She also played guitar and harmonica. Johnny played in local bands before making the trek north to Chicago in 1946. He travelled with his first cousin Baby Face Leroy Foster. Johnny must have had a winning personality - Big Maceo referred to the young musician as 'my son'. Before taking over Maceo's chair in Tampa Red's band, Jones made the rounds of clubs and bars. Jones was present on almost all Elmore James' 1950s sessions. As well as working with Elmore, he did the occasional gig with Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers and Dusty Brown. He also went on the road with Little Walter. Here's fine work from some of Chicago's best. The sidemen - Ransom Knowling, Odie Payne and Red Saunders, to name a few - just as classy as the principals.

Price: $41.98