© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2007

Robert Lockwood Jr. with The Aces
Steady Rollin’ Man
Delmark DD-630

It was difficult for Robert Lockwood, Jr. to free himself from the ties to his illustrious stepfather Robert Johnson. Lockwood became the last living connection to the famous bluesman and his fabled history. Originally from Arkansas, Lockwood could not resist the lure of Beale Street in Memphis. From there he ventured further north to St. Louis, and eventually Chicago. By the ’50s, Lockwood had become Chess Records main studio guitar player. He recorded with all of their big stars and can be heard on many classic blues songs. He finally settled in Cleveland, where he lived for more than 45 years. Perhaps more than anything Lockwood was known best as a regular on the world’s first blues radio program, KFFA’s King Biscuit Time in Helena, Arkansas.

Steady Rollin’ Man was Lockwood’s first ever release as a leader. Recorded in Chicago August 12th and 13th, 1970, it has an authentic analogue sound. For this CD re-release, there is no evidence that the recordings were touched up in the studio using modern technology. Steady Rollin’ Man contains the blues of yesteryear as performed by some of its best artists. The Aces were well known as the backing band for Junior Wells and Little Walter. The distinguished band featured brothers Louis (guitar, harp) and Dave Myers (bass) with Fred Below (drums). Sadly, they too are all deceased.

Had Steady Rollin’ Man been re-released in the ’90s, it may have been renamed "Unplugged". As compared to his later years, Lockwood’s plaintive voice is well rounded. Robert Lockwood Jr.’s brand of blues was influenced heavily by living in the Delta as well as being taught and performing with Delta artists. This influence can be heard throughout this 41-minute CD, but it’s particularly obvious on "Blues And Trouble". Many of the other 14 songs are upbeat and jazzy in nature. The title track is a mellow workout with proficient lead guitar. Musically, "Take A Little Walk With Me" sounds like "Sweet Home Chicago". Likewise, listeners will more commonly know "Worst Old Feeling" as "Walking Blues". Regardless of the song’s name, lyrics like ‘Blues ain’t nothin’ but a shake and chill / If you ain’t had ‘em / I hope you never will’ are old school. An alternate version of the song and "Lockwood’s Boogie," which was not included on the original album, appear as bonus material on this re-released CD. With two killer Chicago blues guitarists, the instrumental "Steady Groove" is a slaughter. Two obligatory Robert Johnson songs are included. There is the uppity "Ramblin’ On My Mind" and the peaceful "Kind-Hearted Woman," where supple vocals put you at ease.

Throughout, the lead guitar solos either appear in the left or right channel. Unless you have a fine ear, you may not be able to detect which one is Myers and which one is Lockwood. This nostalgic album can be cherished since blues isn’t recorded like this any longer. This album was possibly the last to feature authentic blues of the ’50s and ’60s. That style was quickly discarded for the gritty and urban contemporary blues of the ’70s. Steady Rollin’ Man provides additional evidence of the great loss that Lockwood’s death brought to the blues.

- Tim Holek -


Southwest Blues CD Review - June 2007

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