JOHN LONG "LOST & FOUND" Source: Blues Ambassador Date: 05/2007 Writer: Ron Eggleston

Fifty-something bluesman John Long has toiled in relative obscurity for thirty years, with virtually no recorded output to document his musical output.  This all changed when Al Blake, a veteran of the west coast blues scene (including the Hollywood Fats Band) and current Delta Groove recording artist, heard his music and brought a demo to Randy Chortkoff, head of Delta Groove.  Before long, a deal was worked out for Blake and Chortkoff to produce a recording. 

Long is a master of country blues, using guitar, slide guitar, resonator guitar and rack harmonica to capture the classic sounds of Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Son House and many others.  Adding to these styles, Long writes original songs (some with his brother, also a musician) which contain both traditional and contemporary commentary on human relations at the basic level.  Most of the songs on this recording are performed by Long alone, while Fred Kaplan joins him on piano for three numbers, keeping an old-timey feel.

Just one listen is enough to understand why Long’s new-found boosters are so excited.  His music projects the soul of country blues but does not try to imitate anyone.  As the producers note, many of the songs sound like newly discovered classic oldies. The album is a very enjoyable journey through an old music form that brings new insights and pleasures.