Phases & Stages

Louis Johnson

Old Friend

With nickname "Cowboy" seemingly put to rest, Louis Johnson maintains his old-fashioned way with elusive spirits and closely held emotions on Old Friend. Trumpet (Ephraim Owens) and fiddle (Phoebe Hunt) add subtle shading, but Johnson's songs stand out with simple clarity. "Is She Your Memory or Mine" commands special attention as a co-write with the late Mickey Newbury; the song started with Jim Pasquale before he passed in 2002.