About a year and half ago, I had the honor to review the second album of Wanda Johnson, a soulful blues album that stole my heart from the very first note on.  For Hold What you Got Wanda again contributes with blues pianist Shrimp City Slim ,both in songwriting and performing. A pact that was closed in the previous century when Gary Erwin (Shrimp City Slim) asked her to join his band on a European tour.

Opening tune “Hold What you got”, and follow up, “Wheel your love to me” are typical up-tempo blues tunes. Spreading a make-you- feel-good mood both songs are very danceable tracks and ideal for a Saturday evening in a juke joint.  “Believe Me, Baby” leans to the more classic blues, but on ” Give your face a Rest”, Wanda Johnson ones more throw in the best of herself. Combined with some Latin percussion and a catchy chorus this is a very recognizable tune that keeps lingering on for the rest of the day. Move On is one of those tunes that immediately evoke some images.  All band members performing in white tuxedos, Wanda wearing a classy but sexy evening dress and a glittering stage in front of Vegas style audience! This is music that comes with movies like The Cotton club or assorted mob flicks!  Soulful and sleazy with a mellow-jazzy background!  The same sleaze is found on “Riding out this Love”!  Although sprouting less class then Move On and missing the jazzy percussion this tune is very impressing because this is where Wanda shows of her vocal abilities.  Not by performing vocal tricks or what so ever, but simply by bringing a song that is carried by her memorable voice only. (Once she quits singing, the tune falls back to mediocrity). Special attention goes out to “Grilfriend, a tune written by her sister Pat. Starting out as a typical piano blues track, the track impresses me halfway due to the addition of raw, distorted guitar, playing familiar blues riffs.

“Hold what You Got” is fine motto and for Wanda Johnson it means, keep doing the things the way you do it.  Impressive at moments, tender at others and without doubt a crowd-pleaser when performing live, Wanda Johnson never fails to deliver on this 14 tracks album! Accompanied by the Shrimp City Slim Band, this album is once more a nice effort that will bring a smile to the faces of many blues lovers.

Mr.Blue Boogie.