Jimmy Johnson

Every Day Of Your Life
Delmark Records

“Every Day of Your Life” is Blues Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Johnson’s first recording for the Chicago-based blues label Delmark in forty years, and it’s actually his first in the past ten years. As was the case previously on Delmark, including the classic 1979 release “Johnson Whacks,” he is once again delivering blues that forces us all to pay attention.

At 91 years of age, Johnson shows no sign of slowing down. While I was in Chicago last year for the blues festival, he was presented the key to the city for his contributions and longevity as one of the elite musicians. Aside from that festival set I also caught him at a club a couple night later where when it came to closing time he was far from wanting to stop playing. Check out his monthly calendar and he always seems to have a gig or more every week.

This new album is packed full of great instrumentation, particularly with Johnson’s guitar playing. His take on Fenton Robinson’s “Somebody Loan Me A Dime” is over the top delicious as is the slow blues “Strange Things Happening. He also throws down a truly exceptional take on Bobby Bland’s  beautiful “Lead Me On” as he plays solo on piano. Guitar pairing with Rico McFarland on the funky “Rattlesnake” is spectacular, while he delivers a reggae feel to “The Ring” with the story that the last time he saw his wife smile was on their wedding day, “yesterday was sunshine, but today is rain, and I don’t believe it is ever going to change.”

He states in the title track, “Live every day of your life as if it will be your last, one day you will be right, it’s going come to pass.” Let’s hope that is a far way off for Jimmy Johnson, because when he releases albums the caliber of this one it makes us yearn for more, and as stated earlier his performances are still extraordinary after 61 years tearing it up on Chicago stages. Keep it going Jimmy Johnson!!

Total Time: 44:17

Every Day of Your Life / I Need You So Bad / My Ring / Rattlesnake / Somebody Loan Me A Dime / Down In The Valley / Strange Things Happening / Better When It’s Wet / Lead Me On