If anyone doubts the existence of credible modern purveyors of Johnson-influenced music, they haven't heard longtime West Coast bluesman Robert Lowery. His Earthquake Blues (Orleans) combines Johnson classics, originals and a bit of Lightnin' Hopkins in a personalized and satisfying excursion into real blues. Recorded on a front porch in Santa Cruz, Calif., Lowery's ragged but righteous delivery makes the music and involving. Most tracks are preceded by monologues that show the tradition of talking blues storytelling is still in good hands.
---Michael Point
Originally published in Pulse! (December 1991), Issue #100