Robert Lockwood, Jr.: I Got to Find Me a Woman

Robert Lockwood Jr., the 82-year-old bluesman, who was taught by Robert Johnson and who backed Sonny Boy Williamson II in the early ’40s, dredges up stirring renditions of Roosevelt Sykes’ “She’s Little and She’s Low” and Johnson’s “Walkin’ Blues” and “Kindhearted Woman Blues,” accompanying himself on 6 and 12 string electric guitars. On his own “Little Boy Blue” and “Take a Little Walk With Me,” he is joined by a full band but the proceedings remain firmly rooted in the real deal, a testament to both Lockwood’s earthy aesthetic and John Snyder’s no-nonsense producing style. B.B. King guests on the upbeat title track and in a stark instrumental duet with Lockwood on “Bob and B”; still playing those brilliant, oh-so-familiar licks with vitality and sting. On a bouncy take on Roosevelt Sykes’ “Feel Like Blowing My Horn” he is joined by second guitarist Joe Louis Walker. Lockwood also turns in energized covers of Memphis Slim’s “Everyday I Have the Blues,” Leroy Carr’s “How Long” and Paul Gayten’s engaging jump blues, “For You My Love.” A solid set of blues (ranging from country to sophisticated urban swing) from the eternally youthful and versatile Mr. Lockwood Jr.

Originally Published September 1, 1999