I received my copy of Jelly Roll Johnson’s latest CD “Songs From The Record World” last week, and had the opportunity to listen to the CD straight through 4 times on a long drive. And I enjoyed every minute of all 4 spins. The CD is basically a jazz quartet recording with Jelly playing acoustic harp (diatonic and chromatic) backed by a trio of electric guitar, bass, and drums. The overall approach is very traditional in every sense, no wild electronics or frenzied atonal explorations.

Jelly Roll Johnson dips into his wide-ranging songbook and delivers a top-notch CD.

I first met Kirk “Jelly Roll” Johnson at a SPAH convention a number of years ago. It was at one of the late night blues jams, and I had no idea who he was, a quiet gentleman with an unassuming manner. Then he tossed off a jaw-dropping solo that was both elegant and soulful, and I nudged the fellow next to me and asked “Who the heck is that guy?” I was informed that he was Mr. Jelly Roll Johnson, a Nashville session player of great renown.

Jelly Roll is not only a master at the musical understatement, but he also has a powerful way of playing to the strengths of the harmonica while still giving a clear nod to the contemporary playing styles. Hear for yourself why he has long been one of Nashville’s top players and one of my personal favorites.