 I'm A Jockey Engine Number Nine
The "Chicago Dave Blues Band" is one of the best exponents of the Swiss blues scene since many many years and obviously, this got known into the USA! And it led to the cooperation with the excellent blues veteran Jimmy Johnson on this new, honest live-album. But there is even more: in addition to Jimmy Johnsons presence on the album, the outstanding jazz and blues sax player Sam Burckhardt – being native from Basle (Switzerland), but lives in Chicago since about 25 years – could also be won to be part of an exciting tour through Switzerland and the participation at the 3rd Basle blues-festival in early 2002, where these live recordings have been made. The “Chicago Dave Blues Band” got enlarged to a big band size with a four men horn section and an additional solo performer, who also added a jazzy note to the program of these nights.
Ten strong and matching blues titles have been recorded with a playing time wide over one hour and with an excellent blend of blues classics as of Robert Johnson and self penned tracks by Jimmy Johnson. The album has been completed with additional tracks of the likes as Rush Carter, James Davis, Kenny Gable, Deadric Malone, Mel London/Junior Wells and Little Milton.
The album proves who exciting “live” blues can be and which dynamic for the blues still can be found in the real veterans of that music. Jimmy Johnson is over 70 years old now and has been nominated for the WC Handy Blues Award in 1999. He still lives the blues with an outstanding presence on stage and is a remarkable blues guitar player as well as he still sings with a gospel-like tenor voice.
And let’s not forget: the “Chicago Dave Blues Band” itself, which already recorded several CDs before and is known way over the Swiss borders – and they are proud to have been working with Jimmy Johnson on this remarkable festival in Basle – and they plan another tour in 2004! |