Robert Jr. Lockwood [extended]

• Does 12 [Trix, 1977] B
• Hangin' On [Rounder, 1980] A-

See Also:

• Robert Jr. Lockwood & Johnny Shines

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Does 12 [Trix, 1977]
Lovers of urban blues will cherish this record by Robert Johnson's self-designated heir. It even boasts some adventurously progressive saxophone and twelve-string stylings that do no violence to a notoriously intransigent genre. But Lockwood is an undistinguished vocal interpreter, and only one of his originals--the imperturbable "Selfish Ways"--is worthy of interpretation itself. B

Robert Jr. Lockwood & Johnny Shines: Hangin' On [Rounder, 1980]
The formal double-bind of the Delta blues these two students and near-contemporaries of Robert Johnson pursue so loyally isn't as constricting as that of the more recent Chicago style--there's no dated "commercial" formula, so attempts at progress aren't as likely to sound like awkward compromises. The acoustic duets, alternated (never shared) lead vocals, relaxed two-man horn arrangements, and funk-influenced drumming of their recording debut may read like a mishmash, but Shines's singing and songwriting fills in the holes for Lockwood, who has made unpretentious eclecticism a specialty for years. A-