“…the blues is, for the Stones, the fountainhead of everything they do.” – Don Was

Now, in the 21st century, these early players are recognized as founding fathers of the blues genre. These musicians are the pillars upon which the houses of folk, rock, and blues have been built.

‘EJ’ brings listeners as close as possible to hearing Johnson in his own living room, performing songs on piano and steel-string and nylon-string acoustic guitars.

With all due respect to Mr. Trower’s age, experience, and musical knowledge, I must reply, poppycock!

Interspersed along with the music are interview tracks. One gem from these is when Lomax asks Waters “Is [Son] House a better player than [Robert] Johnson is, ya think?” Waters answers, “I think they’re both about equal.”

“In all he did, he was so positive. He was such a gentleman and a role model. He did not drink or use drugs, and he always had such a positive energy. That’s why everyone loved him and enjoyed having him around.”

If you happened to be at the right stage at the right time you could witness things like The Reverend Peyton playing slide on a three-string cigar box guitar, or, catch a rip-roaring musical sermon from soulful Nashville singer Mike Farris.

Kingfish walked off the stage, joining the crowd on the green, jamming out using a wireless amplifier. It was reminiscent of a recent Buddy Guy performance I saw…

This is the one that might have sealed his reputation.

Among other treasures are a hand-written song book from Lightnin’ Hopkins, a signed B.B. King Gibson “Lucille” guitar, and much, much more.