Detroit Jr.
Blues On The Internet
(Delmark DE-777)
Detroit Jr.'s new collection of music, Blues On The Internet, was recorded in the latter
part of 2004. It contains 15 tracks and one interview.
Born in Arkansas in 1931 as Emery Williams, Jr., he traveled quite a bit
with his family. They finally settled down in Flint, Michigan. It was at his grandmother's
home that he got his early raising and his introduction to the organ. Wanting to emulate
BB King, Sonny Boy Williamson and others he heard on the radio, Emery soon was playing the
blues. It was as a pianist that he found his niche. Emery's grandmother didn't want him
playing blues due to her religious beliefs. Despite his obvious love for her, he had the
blues real bad and went back to his mother's to live. This arrangement suited him better,
since his mother encouraged his blues playing.
Soaking up much music from people like John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles,
Jackie Wilson and Lowell Fulson, he left Flint for Chicago in the early 1950's. It was not
until 1960 that Emery would be christened with the name we know him as now. An
entrepreneur called Cadillac Baby gave him the moniker, Detroit Jr. While the early 60s
were a slim period for the blues, Detroit met and played with the likes of Morris Pejoe,
JT Brown, Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Reed and Little Mack Simmons.
Playing everywhere and recording his first full length record, Detroit
Jr.'s big break didn't come until he was asked to play with the Howlin' Wolf band. He
would stay with him until his death in January of 1976. By the 80's, Detroit was ready to
record again, and Alligator recorded his highly praised tracks on their Living Chicago
Blues-Volume 4 collection. Known for his flamboyant dress (turbans and sharkskin suits) as
well as his killer piano, Detroit Jr. kept his chops up and waited for the 90's. His Blue
Suit Recordings - Turn Up The Heat and Take Out The Time put Detroit Jr.'s name on the
lips of DJ's as well as listeners alike.
Detroit Jr. wrote 11 of the 15 songs on this CD. I consider this
collection to easily be his career best. Full of humorous songs; just listen to "Call
My Job", "Money Crazy" and "Blues On The Internet". Throughout
the disc, Detroit's playing is right on the money. He gives us all a taste of early
Chicago Blues piano like no one else can. His vocals are gruff, but not too much. His
interplay with the musical guests show just how much of a supreme artist he is. And let's
not forget the songs for the ladies, "Just You My Love", "When It Comes To
Your Love" and "Love No One But You".
The guitar magic of Lurrie Bell is apparent as is his backing vocals on
"Just You My Love". Jimmie Dawkins plays on one tune, and the remaining axe work
goes to Maurice John Vaughn. The rhythm section is tight with Bob Stroger on bass and
Kenny Smith on drums. Eric Schneider deserves kudos for his great sax work as well. All
together, Blues On The Internet is a handsomely done blues disc and one of my favorites of
the year.
- Big Daddy Hal -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2005
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