Search - Juke Boy Bonner, Weldon 'Juke Boy' Bonner :: 1960-67

Stripped-Down Blues At It's Best

peter krampert | eharmonica.net | 01/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The history of the Blues is loaded with one-man bands, guys who who would hook up a guitar, put the harmonica on a neckbrace and occassionally play drums or even bass with their feet. Texas-born Bluesman Juke Boy Bonner, though not as well known as some of the others was certainly one of the best.Bonner spent most of his career playing around Houston and it was only because of his self-destruction and eventual death by alcohol that he never went further. Bonner was a very capable singer and harmonica player and his guitar playing is nothing short of superb.This collection highlights many of Juke Boy's recordings from the late 1960's. Nearly every track features one-take recordings of nothing but Bonner, his guitar and rack-mounted harmonica. There are many standards that stand up very well under Bonner's steady hand.If you want to hear what a great one-man band can sound like, I recommend this album."