Johnson, who was 78 at the time of this recording, is the most unsung Chicago-based tenor saxophonist of them all. He never wanted to lead a band, but that doesn't mean that he was reticent to play. The cool steam that emanates from his horn, with definite references to
Ben Webster and the vaunted piano pyrotechnics of the incomparable
John Young, create a superlative overall sound. Bassist
Eddie DeHaas and drummer
George Hughes more than keep up their end of the bargain. The result is an optimal setting to showcase
Johnson's sleek, slightly brawny, tuneful tenor, with a tincture of tart sweetness that retains a timeless quality without being rote, sounding nostalgic or crutching on cliches.
Johnson is truly his own man, and he sounds great.