Search - Johnny Shines :: Standing at the Crossroads

Stunning solo blues by late Delta blues legend

R. Weinstock | Falls Church, VA USA | 06/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Linked with the legendary Robert Johnson with whom he played with and traveled with in the 1930s, Johnny Shines left a musical legacy that far outshines the efforts of many acclaimed 'legends' of today. I believe these recordings were the first solo recordings Shines made sfter his mid-sixties return to performance (he recorded with bands for Testmanet and Vanguard) and include marvelous renditions of Johnson's songs witb other material. Johnson was not the only influence on Shines. Howling Wolf was another and there are some touches from such as Lonnie Johnson and Leroy Carr. Shines did not learn the Robert Johnson licks off the record and his mix of Wolf and Johnson in his vocals made him one of the most compelling singers who almost never came across as shrill. This is one of a number of superb albums of his music that are available."

One Of The Finest Solo Country Blues Releases

D. B Pepper | Plainview, NY United States | 07/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Along with Furry Lewis' "Shake 'Em On Down" and Buddy Moss' "Atlanta Blues Legend", this is one of the finest solo Country Blues albums of the Country Blues revival period. Every song on this album stands out, and Shines' lyrical abilities are dazzling. His voice can go from a whisper to a shout stronger than that of Howlin' Wolf in an instant. This record proves that Shines was as good as, if not better than, Robert Johnson, the now-famous musician with whom he often played and criss-crossed America."

Real fine.

D. B Pepper | 09/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Johnny Shines was the genuine article, a man who made the blues soley and totally his own whenever he played and sang. This incredible collection has some of his finest performances. Just get it, 'nuff said!"