Name: Back to the Country
Brand: Blind Pig
SKU: 88033
Availability: OutOfStock

Back to the Country

Rating

Performer Notes

Personnel: Johnny Shines (vocals); Snooky Pryor (harmonica, vocals); John Nicholas (steel & acoustic guitars, piano); Kent Du Shane (guitar, steel guitar).
Producers: Edward Chmelewski, Jerry Del Giudice, John Nicholas.
Recorded at Loma Ranch Studios, Fredericksburg, Texas. Includes liner notes by John Morthland.
Personnel: Johnny Shines (vocals); Snooky Pryor (vocals, harmonica); Johnny Nicholas (acoustic guitar, steel guitar, piano); Kent Duchaine (steel guitar).
Liner Note Author: John Morthland.
Recording information: Loma Ranch Studios, Fredericksburg, TX.
Photographer: Edward Chmelewski.
Back to the Country finds Johnny Shines, accompanied by Snooky Pryor, running through a selection of standards, many of which they had played in their prime. At the time they made Back to the Country, they were well into old age, and had suffered some losses. Shines, in particular, was hit hard by the ravages of old age, suffering a stroke in the late '80s. As a result, Shines couldn't play guitar for this session, so producer John Nicholas and Kent Du Chane pick up the slack. This doesn't really hurt the music, but it's disheartening and awkward to listen to the album knowing that Shines isn't able to perform. That said, there are some nice moments on the record -- Shines and Pryor have a nice rapport which shines through despite difficulties -- but overall, it's hard not to view this as a nostalgia exercise. ~ Thom Owens

Professional Reviews

Living Blues (1/92-2/92, p.53) - "...the rich nasal tone persists and his timing and sense of drama remain undiminished..."