Last Testament

by Bunk Johnson

Overview

Bunk Johnson had a rather unlikely career. Completely forgotten and out of music by the late '30s, he was given a new set of teeth and a trumpet and hailed as a legend. Johnson made an impressive comeback, but excessive drinking resulted in an erratic and short-lived career. Both overpraised by some and dismissed by others, Johnson was actually a fine player when he was at his best. His final recording, which appears here along with two alternate takes, was arguably his best. Utilizing more modern players (trombonist Ed Cuffee, clarinetist Garvin Bushell, pianist Don Kirkpatrick, guitarist Danny Barker, bassist Wellman Braud, and drummer Alphonse Steele) than his usual New Orleans band, Johnson performed a wide variety of music, ranging from folk songs and swing standards (such as "Out of Nowhere" and "You're Driving Me Crazy") to some rags (most notably "The Entertainer"). Throughout, Johnson sounds at the top of his game, making this his definitive release. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	12/07/1993
Label:	Delmark
UPC:	0038153022525
Rank:	178287

Tracks

1. Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You)
2. Hilarity Rag
3. Some of These Days
4. The Entertainer
5. Out of Nowhere
6. You're Driving Me Crazy
7. Chloe
8. The Minstrel Man
9. Maria Elena
10. Kinklets
11. Out of Nowhere
12. Till We Meet Again
13. Chloe
14. Teasin' Rag

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bunk Johnson   Primary Artist,Trumpet
Buck Johnson   Primary Artist
Danny Barker   Guitar
Don Kirkpatrick   Piano
Ed Cuffee   Trombone
Alphonse Steele   Drums
Garvin Bushell   Clarinet
Wellman Braud   Bass

Technical Credits

Jimmie Hodges   Composer
Gus Kahn   Composer
Edward Heyman   Composer
Johnny Green   Composer
Lorenzo Barcelata   Composer
Scott Joplin   Composer
Josie Carmen   Engineer
Julie Chenevert   Design
Paul Underwood   Engineer
The Unknown   Composer
Robert G. Koester   Producer
Buck Johnson   Performer
Neil Moret   Composer