Lazy Lester
All Over You
(ANT10042)
After ten long years of silence, Lazy
Lester, the High Sheriff of Swamp Blues returns to the recording realm with All Over You.
When Lester comes to town, all the harphonkers, famous and infamous, gather to graze and
when you listen to some of the tracks on this CD, it isn't hard to deduce why the ears
bend when Lazy blows. Before he was Lazy, he was Leslie Johnson, born in Louisiana in
1933, and grew up in a suburb outside Baton Rouge. He didn't start playing the harmonica
till he was 19 years old, motivated by the likes of Jimmy Reed and Little Walter. He came
to the attention of Jay Miller, a pioneer producer of the Swamp Blues sound. Miller is the
man credited with giving Leslie his nickname, 'Lazy,' based on his manners during an
audition. Since then, Lazy has been a valuable session man to names like Slim Harpo,
Lightnin' Slim, Katie Webster and a host of other Excello label artists.
My knowledge of
Lester came about backwards from enjoying covers of his songs from groups like the Kinks
and the Thunderbirds. It wasn't until later on that I discovered some of his Excello stuff
and really developed a love for the laid back vocal styling and the sharp harmonica work.
I wasn't the only one who noticed this performer, just last year Lazy was inducted into
the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame. It only takes one listen to this CD to understand what
the fuss is about. Lester turns in track after track of grand swamp magic with a lot of
clever phrasing and some remarkable harp honking. Check out the infamous Lester gem
"I'm A Lover Not A Fighter," or the raw, energetic "Nothing But The
Devil" and revel in the shuffling blues fete. This release is good gumbo and should
be on your list if you want a taste of the blues by way of the bayou.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - May 1999
Current Reviews - 1999 Reviews - available at our store
