The Okeh Soul

Track Listings

1. Delilah - Major Lance

2. Monkey Time - Major Lance

3. Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um - Major Lance

4. Hey Little Girl - Major Lance

5. You'll Want Me Back - Major Lance

6. Think Nothing About It - Major Lance

7. Matador - Major Lance

8. Rhythm - Major Lance

9. Found True Love - Billy Butler & the Enchanters

10. (You Make Me Think) You Ain't Ready - Billy Butler & the Enchanters

11. Gotta Get Away - Billy Butler & the Enchanters

12. I Can't Work No Longer - Billy Butler & the Enchanters

13. Welcome Home - Walter Jackson

14. That's What Mama Say - Walter Jackson

15. What Would You Do - Walter Jackson

16. My Ship Is Coming In - Walter Jackson

17. It's an Uphill Climb (To the Bottom) - Walter Jackson

18. It's All Over - Walter Jackson

19. Does It Matter - The Opals

20. Patty Cake - The Artistics

See all 24 tracks on this disc

The Okeh Soul,Various Artists,Epic,60's,Chicago Soul,Northern Soul,R&B,Soul,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Uptown Soul

The Okeh Soul

Tracks:

Just Want Your Love
So Good To My Baby
Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business)
My Country Man
Rain Down Rain
Way Back Home
Please Stay Away From My Sam
Jinny Mule
Send For Me
Maybelle's Blues
I've Got A Feelin'
You'll Never Know
No More Trouble Out Of Me
My Big Mistake
Ain't No Use
I'm Getting 'Long Alright
You'll Be Sorry
Hair Dressin' Women
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show
Don't Leave Poor Me
Ain't To Be Played With
New Kind Of Mambo
Ocean Of Tears
Whole Lot Of Shakin' Goin' On
The Other Night
Such A Cutie

Customer Reviews:

Her Name Is Maybelle.......2007-01-11

She was born Mabel Louise Smith in 1924; she became the singer Big Maybelle in 1952 after Fred Mendelsohn "discovered" her (something Dave Clark had previously done in 1936) and re-named the singer.

THE COMPLETE OKEH SESSIONS 1952-'55 consists of the 26 songs Big Maybelle recorded for the OKeh label October 1952 thru March 1955; songs are in chronological order. Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time: 73:44. Booklet includes an essay by Peter Grendysa, two black & white photographs, musician personnel, and recording dates. Sound quality is very good.

Big Maybelle is most comparable to LaVern Baker, but she also has similarities to Bessie Smith. Her voice is definitely "Big"; she is not afraid to growl, moan, and wail; in that respect she is similar to Koko Taylor. The music is fun `50s Rhythm & Blues, much like LaVern Baker or Ruth Brown.

Music on the last 4 tracks was conducted and arranged by Quincy Jones. Also of note is her playful (and amusing) Mae West-like dialog on "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show" and the "Maybelle vs. the female hater" of "Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business)" where Maybelle sings in response to the dialog by Rosemarie McCoy, the song's co-writer, who is basically talking trash about Maybelle. (From essay: "The song itself was based on the traditional "Dozens" or "Dirty Dozens" put-down rap from black vaudeville of the 1920s.")

Not included here are her early recordings on Decca or her three singles on King Records in the late 1940s. After OKeh she recorded for Savoy and Brunswick labels, as well as having a pop hit with a version of the rock song "96 Tears" in 1967. Diabetes and years of drug addiction brought her life to an end in 1972.

Big Maybelle is an under-recognized talent. This is a great CD for anyone who enjoys classic Rhythm & Blues and/or big-voiced divas.

Big Maybelle on Okeh.......2006-06-17

Mabel Smith (1924 -- 1972) learned music as a child singing gospel in Jackson Tenessee. She was a large woman, over 250 pounds, with a big voice to match. She received the nickname "Big Maybelle" at the time of the recordings on this CD.

Big Maybelle made a few recordings in the 1940s, but became well-known only during her years of recording for the Okeh label from 1952 -1955. Following her years with Okeh, she recorded for a number of other labels, appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958, and acquired a large following among lovers of the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, and,near the end of her career, rock and roll. Big Maybelle's career was hampered throughout and cut short by a severe drug addiction.

This recording includes the 26 tracks Big Maybelle released for Okeh during 1952 -- 1955 and shows the singer at the height of her powers. The songs are in a variety of styles, but they are predominantly the "jump" or "swing" blues, that became popular in the later 1940s and early 1950s for dancing. These songs include a back-up band of 5 to 7 musicians featuring piano, guitar, bass, drum, and sax. The back-ups for Big Maybelle on these recordings are excellent, especially the wailing sax on many tracks.

But the main attraction of this CD is Big Maybelle herself. She was gifted with a powerful, gravelly voice that she projected with her ample heart and body in whatever she sang. She could be gritty and forceful, a woman version of a "shouter" and yet could sing with sweetness and tenderness. Her voice was full of vibrato, purring, growling, and passion. Big Maybelle was a lady blues singer in the worthy line of Bessie Smith.

The tracks I particularly enjoyed on this CD includeed "Rain Down Rain", with Big Maybelle's passionate singing accompanied by a honking sax, the slow, wailing "Maybelle's Blues", the uptempo and rhythmical "I've got a feeling (somebody's trying to steal my man)", "Ain't no use," another slow ballad, and "Don't Leave Poor Me." Some of the songs on this CD that achieved popularity include the "Gabbin' Blues" with its trading of insults (called dirty dozens), "One Monkey Don't Stop no Show" which has been covered many times and "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going on" which, with honk-tonk piano not prominent on Maybelle's recording, Jerry Lee Lewis made famous.

This CD is deservedly included in a list of 50 essential blues CDs in a recent excellent overview of the blues,"The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Blues" by David Evans. In addition, Evans includes Big Maybelle's recording of "My Country Man" from this CD as one of 50 individual essential blues recordings. Evans offers a detailed account of Maybelle's rendition of this song and concludes that "[t]he performance is tight and professional representing the best of jump blues." (p.180)

I am pleased to see many thoughtful and appreciative reviews of this CD and this site. This CD is an excellent introduction to a great lady blues singer who remains too little known and a good way to expand your knowledge of the the unique American art form of the blues. The CD includes detailed liner notes by Peter Grendysa.

Robin Friedman

Look No Further - Big Maybelle is the Real McCoy!.......2005-12-23

These 26 essential tracks that Big Maybelle recorded for Okeh records are the real McCoy. Her reputation as one of the most exciting female vocalists to ever sing the Blues is more than ably demonstrated here, and these tracks are the purest Blues she ever recorded. Unlike some of her pop and jazz records - and Big Maybelle excelled in all of these styles - almost all of these tracks have the distinction of bearing the unmistakable stamp of pure Blues music, something that is mighty rare among female practitioners of the art. The music world abounds with many female vocalists who were labeled "Blues" singers without their ever fully indulging in the form. While Big Maybelle herself made some excellent R & B and even pop records, when she sang the Blues, she went all the way, as some others did not. And if you want proof, one listen to these excellent tracks is all you will need.

Her sound is as big as she was, and her phrasing and delivery are as earthy as the Blues can get. At times, she sounds quite a bit like her mentor, Bessie Smith, whose style she clearly loved and emulated - if you listen carefully to her rendition here of Please Stay Away From My Sam, you could almost swear you're listening to the Empress, come back and recorded on better equipment. But Big Maybelle also bears the marks of a true original - she is always true to her own voice and vision, which is every bit as powerful as her phrasing is divine.

If you are not familiar with her, these tracks will grow on you immediately. If you have any of her other recordings, you will understand why these sessions are essential. The musicians who back her up are excellent, and all are totally in sync with her style.

In reality, anyone who loves Jazz, R & B or Blues can appreciate Big Maybelle. The few "pop" numbers among the material presented here showcase her diversity brilliantly. Her rendition of "You'll Never Know" is quite unlike any other version I've ever heard before, in both style and presentation, and a prime example of what a true "torch" singer can do with a sad song. The same is true of the wonderful ballad Ain't No Use, which seems to have an identical first bar to Percy Mayfield's Please Send Me Someone to Love, then veers off into one of the most effective torch songs I've ever heard. Ditto for You'll Be Sorry, a tune that sound like something Irma Thomas may have done in her early years, which of course came after these tracks. And Ocean of Tears is pretty much in a class by itself; a true Blues song that doubles as a torch song, Big Maybelle's wailing will convince you that she has the pain in her heart that the lyrics say she does. But I don't mean to get caught up on the ballads; the barrelhouse Blues numbers are the real attraction here - just one listen to Ain't To Be Played With, One Monkey Don't Stop No Show or even Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On will confirm that. The more I listen to Big Maybelle, the more she surprises me with every phrase of every song.

The tracks contained on this album showcase one of the most sadly neglected artists of all time, at her prime. Music like this is priceless, but priceless doesn't necessarily mean expensive. This album is modestly priced, and considering it contains 26 glorious tracks of one of the greatest blues singers who ever lived, it's a downright bargain.

Highly recommended.

Great Maybelle.......2005-10-09

To hear a great voice (I try to avoid the superlative)in a wonderful setting look no further : this is IT! I think this is the best compilation of Maybelle(or any other singer in the R&B/jazz/Blues field) EVER!

one of the best.......2005-09-15

If you don't already know about Big Maybelle, brother, are you in for it. She had it all, but messed up her life with an addiction to heroin, but boy, could she belt out a song. She was a big influence on Aretha, another all time great. The CD Blues, Candy & Big Maybelle is also a great one to get.

The Best of Walter Jackson: Welcome Home - The Okeh Years

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Listening Pleasure
master singer
Very Underrated Artist
The best of Memories
A magnificent collection from a premier artist.

The Best of Walter Jackson: Welcome Home - The Okeh Years
Walter Jackson
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Feelings
The Very Best of Chuck Jackson 1961-1967
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One More Time: The Chess Years
The Very Best of Major Lance

ASIN: B000002AA9
Release Date: 1996-06-04

Tracks:

My Ship Is Comin' In
What Would You Do
It's All Over
That's What Mama Say
Suddenly I'm All Alone
It's An Uphill Climb (To The Bottom)
Tear For Tear
After You There Can Be Nothing
Speak Her Name
Lee Cross
Moonlight In Vermont
Funny (Not Much)
A Corner In The Sun
There Goes That Song Again
Welcome Home

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Listening Pleasure.......2007-06-27

I have listened to the CD so often that it is a wonder I have not worn it out if that were possible.

master singer.......2007-01-22

All of my teenage years were in the 1960's, i was fortunate to listen to rock'n-roll, blues and soul in and urban city of D.C. The late walter Jackson was very special not because of his disability and singing, but the delivery and expression through out his phrasing. He told a story with beautiful tonement that vibrated with a sense of crying, begging and moaning for love of a woman. Only a true music lover and listner can appreciate the soul of a Walter Jackson.

Very Underrated Artist.......2002-02-15

I got to Hear His stuff when I was a Little boy thanks to My Mother.back then Radio gave everybody a chance&you had to bring the goods&Walter Jackson did.He had a Cool Vocal Delievery.the music is still very soulful&right on time.Artists like Him shouldn't be overlooked they have alot going for them if given a fair chance.

The best of Memories.......2000-04-12

I remember Walter's music from the '60's, especially this album which has nothing but great cuts. The soul that comes out of this man cannot be compared to anyone before or since...and the voice that transmits it is incomparable as well. It's truly unfortunate that the Walter Jackson discography is so limited, but 'Welcome Home', of itself, gives us an immensely satisfying taste of the man.

A magnificent collection from a premier artist........1999-08-12

No one can do it like Walter Jackson! His smooth, sensual voice and profound lyrics make you feel like he is in the room with you. You can feel his pain/pleasure in every song. Grab this CD - it is a collection of his best work. Listen to it with someone you love, grab the wine, and enjoy!

The Right Tracks - Complete Okeh Recordings 1963-1966

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The Right Tracks - Complete Okeh Recordings 1963-1966
Billy Butler
Manufacturer: Kent UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Leiber & Stoller Story, Volume 3: 1962-1969
Birth of Soul, Volume 4

ASIN: B000QEKHVM
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Found True Love (Single Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
Lady Love (Single Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
Gotta Get Away - Billy Butler & The Enchanters
I'm Just A Man - Billy Butler & The Enchanters
Can't Live Without Her - Billy Butler & The Chanters
My Heart Is Hurtin' - Billy Butler & The Chanters
Nevertheless - Billy Butler & The Chanters
My Sweet Woman - Billy Butler & The Chanters
I Can't Work No Longer - Billy Butler & The Chanters
Tomorrow Is Another Day - Billy Butler & The Chanters
(I've Got A Feeling) You're Gonna Be Sorry - Billy Butler & The Chanters
(You Make Me Think) You Ain't Ready - Billy Butler & The Chanters
Right Track
Boston Monkey (Mono Single Mix)
Does It Matter? (Second Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
Fighting A Losing Battle - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
To Be Or Not To Be (First Version With Solo Vocal) - Billy Butler & The Chanters
Lady Love (First Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
Found True Love (Stereo Album Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
Does It Matter? (First Version) - Billy Butler & The Four Enchanters
To Be Or Not To Be (Second Version With Alt Vocal & Group) - Billy Butler & The Chanters
Singing The Blues (Backing Track)
She Hurt Me (Backing Track)
You Won't Let Me Forget It (Backing Track)
Loneliness (Backing Track)
Let's Make Up (Backing Track)
Right Track (Instrumental)
Boston Monkey (Instrumental)

Album Description

Presenting the 'holy grail' of 60s Chicago soul CDs - the first legitimate issue of the Complete OKeh Recordings of Billy Butler.

Although never a big name in the way that his elder brother Jerry has always been in chart circles, Billy Butler is considered by soul fans to be synonymous with quality and excellence, his small catalogue of recordings outranking those of artists of far greater fame. The fans have been waiting for this CD for years. It's wholly appropriate that now it's here, and it's on Kent UK.

As well as the A- and B-sides of all of Billy's OKeh 45s, and the rare version of 'Found True Love' that was originally issued by accident on the stereo version of Billy's "Right Track" album, our CD features all of the surviving alternate takes and unissued tracks - both vocal and instrumental - that Billy left behind when he left OKeh for Brunswick in late 1966.

Some of these tracks are also making their stereo debut, mixed down from original Columbia 3- and 4-track masters where such things have survived.

It also features six hitherto unissued masters and alternate takes, plus five instrumental backing tracks which feature Billy on rhythm guitar only, and which remained unfinished when Billy left OKeh for Brunswick in late 1966.

In the early days of Northern soul, Billy Butler's OKeh 45s were among the most cherished by the scene's pioneering collectors. Nearly 40 years later, it is the hallmark of quality that sets "The Right Tracks" apart from many other such collections.

Album Description

Presenting the 'holy grail' of 60s Chicago soul CDs - the first legitimate issue of the Complete OKeh Recordings of Billy Butler.Although never a big name in the way that his elder brother Jerry has always been in chart circles, Billy Butler is considered by soul fans to be synonymous with quality and excellence, his small catalogue of recordings outranking those of artists of far greater fame. The fans have been waiting for this CD for years. It's wholly appropriate that now it's here, it's on Kent. As well as the A- and B-sides of all of Billy's OKeh 45s, and the rare version of 'Found True Love' that was originally issued by accident on the stereo version of Billy's "Right Track" album, our CD features all of the surviving alternate takes and unissued tracks - both vocal and instrumental - that Billy left behind when he left OKeh for Brunswick in late 1966.ACE2007

Album Details

The Landmark 60's Okeh Recordings of Jerry's Baby Brother Complete on CD for the First Time. Includes Eight Previosly Unissued Masters.

Average customer rating:

What more could you want?

The Best of the Okeh Years
Johnny Guitar Watson , and Larry Williams
Manufacturer: Collectables
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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3 Hours Past Midnight
Back to Mono (1958-1969)

ASIN: B00019JRB8
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Two for the Price of One - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Keep on Lovin' You - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Ask Me - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Ain't Gonna Move - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Too Late - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Love Is Such a Funny Thing - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Takin' No Chances - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
I'd Rather Fight Than Switch - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Quitter Never Wins - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Nobody - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Find Yourself Someone to Love - Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Larry Williams
Fever - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Coke - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Unchained My Heart - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Comin' Home Baby - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Skate Key - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Summertime - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Makin' Whoopee - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Ain't Misbehavin' - Johnny "Guitar" Watson

Album Description

In the mid-1960s, Johnny "Guitar" Watson hooked up with Larry Williams (who by that time was the West Coast recording producer for Okeh) and recorded a number of sides for that label, including the Top 40 R&B hits "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and "Nobody" (which was recorded along with Kaleidoscope). This collection compiles the best of the three albums he recorded for the Okeh label, and includes two tracks originally released as singles in 1967.

Album Description

Featuring Larry Williams & The Johnny Guitar Watson Trio. In the mid-1960s, Johnny ''Guitar'' Watson hooked up with Larry Williams (who by that time was the West Coast recording producer for Okeh) and recorded a number of sides for that label, including the Top 40 R&B hits ''Mercy, Mercy, Mercy'' and ''Nobody'' (which was recorded along with Kaleidoscope). This collection compiles the best of the three albums he recorded for the Okeh label, and includes two tracks originally released as singles in 1967. 20 tracks. Collectables. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

What more could you want?.......2006-02-23

This collection seems overlooked to me. The All-Music Guide lists it, but doesn't have a word to say about it. Even Amazon, though they stock it, doesn't display a photo of the cover. And no one has reviewed it. I first heard 'Two For The Price Of One' on a Rhino Soul Shots collection I bought and I loved it immediately. Much later, I bought a Fantasy collection that had their take on 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy' and again, I loved it. I'd made up my mind at that point to buy the cd Two For The Price of One, but it was a bit pricey, had only 10 songs, and I just never got around to getting it and sort of lost interest. Now years later, I find this "collection", which has "Two...." in its entirety plus 10 more cuts from the man's Okeh years.

Its wonderful! The 12 cuts with Larry Williams are 1st class 60s soul, with great chemistry and energy. The last 8 cuts are from Watson's 2 (mostly) instrumental albums for Okeh, 'The Fantastic Piano and Guitar of Johnny Watson - BAD' and 'The Johnny Watson Trio Plays Fats Waller'. This cuts are jazzy and laid back, but still fine.

Part of the reason this may be overlooked is that it is issued on Collectables, which has a reputation for substandard sound and skimpy or no liner notes. The sound here is really good, but the package (liner notes, graphics, one embarrassing mis-spelling) leave much to be desired. The music is always enhanced by the stories and history that surrounds it, and there is nothing here of value but the music itself. Particularly reissue labels should know that with the proliferation of downloadable music, what you offer besides the music becomes more and more important. Those of you who have purchased a box set with a booklet full of quality pictures, recording information, biographical background, etc. will know exactly what I mean. Adding value is the name of the game in many businesses today, and nowhere is it more important than in the music business.

Average customer rating:

Dig This Menu, Please!
Heartily recommend this set.

The Okeh Rhythm & Blues Story 1949-1957
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000287T
Release Date: 1993-07-13

Tracks:

Rock The Joint - Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames
That's Right! - Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames
Chicken Shack Boogie - The Five Scamps
No Wine, No Women - Mr. Google Eyes/Billy Ford & His Musical V-8's
Red Hot - The Five Scamps
Rough And Rocky Road - Mr. Google Eyes/Billy Ford & His Musical V-8's
Hot Dog - Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames
Fine Like Wine - The Five Scamps
CHI (Chicago) - Jumpin' Joe Williams/Red Saunders & His Orchestra
Lyin' Girl Blues - Jumpin' Joe Williams/Red Saunders & His Orchestra
Gotta Find My Baby - The Ravens
Let's Jump Tonight - Chuck Willis
I Want A Lavendar Cadillac - Maurice King & His Wolverines/Bea Baker
If You Ever Had The Blues - Earl Williams
Catch 'Em Young, Treat 'Em Rough, Tell 'Em Nothin' - The Bill Davis Trio
Weekday Blues - Jumpin' Joe Williams/Red Saunders & His Orchestra
My Run Around Baby - Irlton French/Chuck Thomas
Stuttering Blues - The Five Scamps
She Did Me Wrong - Leroy Johnson
Honey I Don't Want You - The Ravens
Work Baby Work - Larry Darnell
Camp Meeting - Pinnochio James
Come On Daddy (Let's Go Play Tonight) - Pearl Taylor/Chuck Thomas
I Feel So Good - Maurice King & His Wolverines/Ruby Jackson
Three Ball Sam (The Pawn Shop Man) - Pearl Taylor/Chuck Thomas
Brother's Blues - Little Brother Brown

Tracks:

Hey Bartender Give That Man A Drink - Jumpin' Joe Williams/Red Saunders & His Orchestra
Goof Boogie - Little Brother Brown
I Rule My House - Chuck Willis
Pinnochio's Blues - Pinnochio James
I'll Be Sittin', I'll Be Rockin' - Larry Darnell
It's Been A Long Time - Annie Laurie
Jump Back Honey - Hadda Brooks
Got So Much Trouble - Titus Turner
Gas Happy Mama - The Royals
My Story - Chuck Willis/The Royals
Gabbin' Blues - Big Maybelle
The Moondog - The Treniers
Stop Talkin' And Start Walkin' - Annie Laurie
Dig This Menu Please! - Red Rodney Sextet
It Ain't Nothing Happening - Paul Gayten
You Broke My Heart - Chuck Willis
Poontang - The Treniers
Brook's Boogie - Hadda Brooks
Jinny Mule - Big Maybelle
Livin' In Misery - Titus Turner
Voodoo Blues - Jumpin' Joe Williams/Red Saunders & His Orchestra
Bring The Money In - The Bill Davis Trio
You The Kind Of Women - Sammy Cotton
I'm In The Mood For You - Annie Laurie
Make Up Your Mind - Chuck Willis
Cow Cow Blues - Paul Gayten

Tracks:

But Officer! - Cliff 'King' Solomon
Give Me One More Drink - Sammy Cotton
Leave It To Me - Annie Laurie
Square Dance Boogie - Cliff 'King' Solomon
Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash - Big John & The Buzzards
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show - Big Maybelle
My Lonely Room - Titus Turner
Uh Oh (Get Out Of The Car) - The Treniers
Creole Alley - Paul Gayten/Lee Allen
Give Me Your Love - Larry Darnell
Bad, Bad Women - The Shufflers
I'm Gettin' 'Long All Right - Big Maybelle
Oop Shoop - Big John & The Buzzards
Jump Ted! - The Shufflers
Ocean Of Tears - Big Maybelle
Ring Ding Doo - Chuck Willis
Little Demon - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
I Put A Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Bacon Fat - Andre Williams (Mr. Rhythm)
The Last Meal - Hurricane Harry
Let's Do The Slop - Little Joe & The Thrillers
Where You Been - Lloyd Fatman
Miss Mushmouth - Lloyd Fatman
Wyatt Earp - The Marquees/Marvin Gaye/Bo Diddley
Billy's Heartache - Billy Stewart/Bo Diddley
Yellow Coat - Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Amazon.com

Arranged in chronological order, this set begins with a strong emphasis on jump blues in the style of Louis Jordan and Big Joe Turner. Gradually, though, OKeh turned to more modern sounds. It jumped on the New Orleans R&B scene early with vital recordings by Paul Gayten and Lee Allen. The Treniers were an irreverent harmony/comedy group in the style of the Coasters, and Chuck Willis abandoned the swing rhythms of jump blues for the pounding 4/4 of rock & roll. OKeh's greatest moment came on September 12, 1956, when a case of Italian Swiss Colony wine helped Screamin' Jay Hawkins and New York's best session musicians (Mickey Baker, Sam Taylor, etc.) cut crazed, electrifying versions of "I Put a Spell on You" and "Little Demon." --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Dig This Menu, Please!.......2003-05-19

The music contained within these three discs covers the most criminally ignored segment of the last half of the 20th century - the pre-emergance of rock 'n' roll. How that general oversight came to be is inexplicable but suffice it to say if more rock 'n' roll fans heard these 78 cuts that shameful trend might start reversing itself because these songs are blistering hot.

Sadly obscure artists from Chris Powell and the Blue Flames, to the wonderfully showboating Treniers, to the Five Scamps make their case for inclusion alongside such comparitively better known artists as Big Maybelle, Chuck Willis, The Ravens, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and even the earliest notices from Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart under the guidence of the Moonglows and Bo Diddley respectively. But known to one and all or only their families it doesn't change the fact that there's not a bum song in the lot, and some, like the hilarious "The Last Meal" by Hurricane Harry and "No Wine, No Women" by Mr. Google Eyes and His Musical V-8's are true lost classics and should be heard by anybody who's ever snapped his fingers or shuffled her feet to music. Don't worry if you've never heard of the singers or the song titles before, if you like rockin' and rollin', no matter what it was actually called at the time (R&B, jump blues, etc.), you will love the songs contained here and the entire set will be an eye and ear opening experience you'll want to share with your more close-minded friends.

The packaging is fine (though the discs and jewel cases are identical, which can cause confusion on a quick glance), with a slim, but very good booklet that does its best to give sketch bios of the artists as well as sort out who played on what. Since that information is not quite clear thanks to shoddy A&R work at the time of the recordings, there is a lack of a full sessionography, unfortunate but entirely understandable. The booklet has tremendous pics though, all the writing credits, recording dates and a well written concise intro to the birth of this style of rhythm and blues as well as the OKeh label itself.

The one problem, if it can be called that, is this: Boxed sets are by nature meant for the hardcore fanatic, not the casual listener. This is especially true if the boxed set in question covers an entire label, multiple artists and the corresponding neglected era in music history. Thus the compilers had to be aware that they weren't going to get many spur of the moment impulse purchases just to see what the music was like (although those who do will be amply rewarded for their faith). Yet they seemed to try and hedge their bets by having just three discs rather than a more uniform four. While it may have kept the price down and swayed a handful of potential buyers to pick it up, the true audience for this type of set is going to want more, especially considering OKeh had plenty of material to do so. As it is they left off the Treniers only charted hit "Go Go Go", Big Maybelle's original version of the well-known "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", and a number of Andre Williams songs they praise lavishly in the notes while offering up just one to hear. Furthermore, despite Amazon's inclusion of his name under the product title at the top of the page, inexplicably left off is legendary white vocalist Johnnie Ray who worked with LaVern Baker (who's here under the name Bea Baker) at the Flame Bar in Detroit, a notorious stop on the black R&B circuit, and along with Baker was signed to OKeh. Because he recorded on a black R&B label, and before he was seen on television or in person by most, he was initially thought by record buyers to be black (not to mention perhaps female), and as a result his early two-sided smash "Cry" b/w "The Little White Cloud That Cried" made it to #1 and #2 respectively on the R&B charts in late '51/early '52. His later work veered entirely towards pop songs and arrangements, which along with his increased visability that showed he was pale white subsequently kept him out of the R&B realm in the future (though he and Baker remained good friends for life), but it would be great, as well as historically accurate, to hear Ray's first OKeh effort "Whiskey & Gin" as well as his two previously mentioned hits. But they are nowhere to be found here nor is Ray even mentioned in the notes.

What they DO offer however is extraordinary, much of it previously unreleased at the time (including many Chuck Willis songs, who was perhaps their biggest star), and much from virtually unknown artists which would be near impossible to even find out about today, much less actually track down to hear. Just the sheer varience of approaches to songs you may know already from their more famous versions is facinating (Gene Vincent's "Jump Back Honey, Jump Back" which Hadda Brooks turns into playful flirting, Big John & The Buzzards turning both Shirley Gunter & The Queens doo wop classic "Oop Shoop" and the Clovers "Your Cash Ain't Nothing But Trash" into a comic bass-sung send-ups, or the scalding workout the Blue Flames give the proto-rock classic "Rock The Joint", later covered by Bill Haley as his first true rock effort). If that's not enough you can sample the delightful political incorrectness of "Stuttering Blues", the subtle jab at being black and dealing with white-enforced laws in "But Officer", or the birth of reggae rhythms in "Billy's Heartache".

If all this isn't enough to convince you that this music and this set are at least worth a try then go back to your cheap little 8 song greatest hits collections, insipid Oldies radio and pitifully sheltered life. After all, you might be too old to change now, for as the song says - to get results you gotta "Catch 'Em Young, Treat 'Em Rough, Tell 'Em Nothin". You've been told. But will you listen?

Heartily recommend this set........2000-10-27

On the recommendation from a friend, I bought this 3-disc set today. I was looking to hear Big Maybelle sing "Ocean of Tears" which had become a favorite of mine after hearing my favorite local band play it at their gigs. This song from Big Maybelle had not been released before this set came out. Anyway, I first threw it in and jammed on that particular song. I then started with the first song on that disc not knowing what was coming my way. Well, of course I knew it would be some blues, but I had not been into blues that much. I do like big band and jump blues type music. That being said, I am impressed with the sound quality and the great music on these discs. After having listened to just 2 discs so far I can honestly say that I haven't heard one bad song. There is some great horn blowin' and piano strummin' and a ton of heavenly voices on these discs. I can't accurately describe what it is I enjoy about this set like I was some kind of major-league musicologist. I just know it hits me in the right place. For me that's all that counts. Also I would like to point out that it is a great bargain for the price. It has 78 songs that will knock your socks off.

Average customer rating:

OKeh: A Northern Soul Obsession, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Okeh
Birth of Soul, Volume 4

ASIN: B0000083NX
Release Date: 1996-03-04

Tracks:

You're Gonna Make Me Love You
Gonna Get Along Without You Now
I'm Coming To Your Rescue
I Still Love You
Gone But Not Forgotten
This Heart Of Mine
A Quitter Never Wins
Come Back
I Wish I Had Known
Bring It Back Home
Call Me Tomorrow
You Don't Want Me No More
What's The Use Of Me Trying
I'm So Afraid
My Heart Is Hurtin'
Hurt
Somebody's Always Trying
He Who Picks A Rose
I Don't Want To Discuss It
I Can Do It
Take Me To Paradise
So Glad Your Love Don't Change
I'm Taking On Pain
It's An Uphill Climb To The Bottom

Jump Back Honey: The Complete OKeh Sessions

Average customer rating:

believe me....

Jump Back Honey: The Complete OKeh Sessions
Hadda Brooks
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

West Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Piano | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Boogie-Woogie | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Blues & Boogie: Empress of the Torch Blues
That's My Desire
I've Got News for You
The Best of Nellie Lutcher
Time Was When

ASIN: B000002AGA
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Tracks:

Jump Back Honey
Dreamin' & Cryin'
My Song
If You Love Me (Really Love Me)
I'm Still In Love
I Don't Mind
You Let My Love Get Cold
All Night Long
Time Was When
Trust In Me
Remember
When I Leave The World Behind
Somewhere In That Direction
I Went To Your Wedding
He's Coming Home
Brooks Boogie

Customer Reviews:

believe me...........2004-01-11

Very good collection. Draw a bath, light the candles, and drift.

The Ever Wonderful: Okeh Uptown Soul 1962-1966

Average customer rating:

The Ever Wonderful: Okeh Uptown Soul 1962-1966
Ted Taylor
Manufacturer: Shout
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Northern | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music
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Soul of Money Records Volume 2
Birth of Soul, Volume 4
The Instant & Minit Story
Sweet Talkin' Girls: The Best of the Chiffons
Invictus Soul Box Set

ASIN: B000ETV7XG
Release Date: 2006-06-05

Tracks:

Don't Lie
Pretending Love
Time Has a Way
You Must Have Been Meant for Me
I'll Release You
Can't Take No More
Be Ever Wonderful
That's Life I Guess
You Give Me Nothing to Go On
Him Instead of Me
I'll Make It Up to You
It Ain't Like That No More
So Hard
Need You Home
Somebody's Always Trying
Top of the World
If It Wasn't for You
Don't Deceive Me
I Love You Yes I Do
I'm So Satisfied
(Love Is Like A) Rambling Rose
Stay Away from My Baby
Walking out of Your Life
Daddy's Baby
Mercy Have Pity

Album Description

Ted Taylor, with 30 years of recordings on some 20 different labels, including a half-dozen R&B hits, he is still a great unknown of the soul world. This is a 26 track definitive collection of Ted Taylor's Okeh recordings. Cherry Red. 2006.

Welcome Home: The Okeh Recordings, Vol. 2

Average customer rating:

Not Received
#1 BEST OF ALL!!!

Welcome Home: The Okeh Recordings, Vol. 2
Walter Jackson
Manufacturer: Kent Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Northern | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

R&B | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Ever Wonderful: Okeh Uptown Soul 1962-1966
Feelings
The Best of Walter Jackson: Welcome Home - The Okeh Years
Finally Got Over: Deep Soul from the Classic Era
The Soul of Spring, Volume 2

ASIN: B000IHYTQG
Release Date: 2006-11-13

Tracks:

My Funny Valentine
Moonlight In Vermont
Let It Be Me
Suddenly I'm All Alone
Imagination
Welcome Home
Moon River
Blowin' In The Wind
The Magic's Gone
Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)
Still At The Mercy Of Your Love
Where Have All The Flowers Gone
Deep In The Heart Of Harlem (Bonus Track)
A Cold, Cold Winter (Bonus Track)
I Think It's Going To Rain Today (Bonus Track)
That's When I Come To You (Bonus Track)
Special Love (Bonus Track)
One Heart Lonely (Bonus Track)
The Folks Who Live On The Hill (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Our first volume of the late Walter Jackson's 1960s OKeh, Epic and Columbia recordings has met with unanimous acclaim amongst the soul fraternity. They will be no less pleased with the second volume in the trilogy, which is built around Walter's fabulous "Welcome Home" album and which once again also features many additional bonus tracks to augment the original track listing.

Along with the "Welcome Home" album in its entirety, this volume also features four rare non-album OKeh 45s and - for the delight of Walter obsessives everywhere - three tracks that have never been heard publicly since being committed to tape 39 years ago.

The inevitable wealth of label shots is complemented by a sleeve note that explores Walter's recordings on a session-by-session basis.

For many Walter Jackson is the epitome of mid-60s Chicago soul. His recordings were supervised by the city's greatest producer, Carl Davis, and repertoire was provided by Curtis Mayfield, Van McCoy, Chip Taylor, Randy Newman and Jimmy Radcliffe. With these kind of names on board it's pretty hard to go wrong.

Watch out for Kent's third and final volume in the trilogy, "Speak Her Name" in 2007.

Customer Reviews:

Not Received .......2007-03-26

Although I received confirmation that 2 CD's were sent I have not received them and am unable to resolve this problem through tracking. Iwould appreciate any help with this matter. Maureen Begley

#1 BEST OF ALL!!!.......2007-01-04

This is the one cd that everyone should own.My favorite singer going back to '68. nobody can compare.

Average customer rating:

Same Little Richard... Older and Wiser
Tamer, late career sides, but still great R & B...
good strong set
At long last! Previously unreleased '60s Richard!!

Get Down With It: The Okeh Sessions
Little Richard
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Little Richard - Greatest Hits Recorded Live
King of Rock and Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings
The Life And Times Of Little Richard
What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977)
Ooh Wee Pretty Baby!

ASIN: B0001ENYAI
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

I Don't Want To Discuss It
Land Of A Thousand Dances
The Commandments Of Love
Money
Poor Dog (Who Can't Wag His Own Tail)
I Need Love
Never Gonna Let You Go
Don't Deceive Me
Function At The Junction
Well All Right
Hurry Sundown
A Little Bit Of Something (Beats A Whole Lot Of Nothing)
Golden Arrow
Rocking Chair
Get Down With It
Rose Mary
Hound Dog

Customer Reviews:

Same Little Richard... Older and Wiser.......2005-12-15

Of course The Georgia Peach cd is the GREAT one but here Little Richard aged a bit needing a new base of support by the mid-60's, yet he progressed by stretching into more Otis Redding,Wilson Pickett,Motown style of arrangements and style. The beautiful mania is still here but in a more mature studio session style stretching more into traditional r&b,gospel and blues.
Okeh recordings always deserve praise...great artists,style and sound..a great service to music.

Tamer, late career sides, but still great R & B..........2004-10-13

The most famous and ground-breaking Little Richard tracks came in the mid and late '50's, during the early years of "Rock 'n Roll." Most of those, such as "Tutti Frutti" and "Lucille" came out on the Specialty label. Check out the CD compilations with those releases for the wildest LR. This disc, featuring songs laid down for Okeh Records in 1966, gets better with each listen. First you have to realize you are not getting "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" with his trademark screams and Jerry Lee Lewis-like pounding of the keyboard. The 17 tracks here are a bit mellower than his most famous recordings, but the accompaniment is excellent, and Little Richard gets to cover a wide range of vocalizations. If you are already a fan, and have his earlier stuff, you'll like this one too. If you have not been exposed to Little Richard, do the classic Specialty sides first to understand how scary he was, especially to parents of white teens, in 1956 or so...LR was part Jerry Lee, part Liberace or maybe Elton John in presentation, an influence on and a pal of Buddy Holly, and a showman to the core. By the time of these tracks, he had mellowed quite a bit, but the musicianship was stronger than ever.

good strong set.......2004-08-02

when you think about Little Richard firsr thing that comes to Mind is being Called one of the kings of Rock&Roll.a Musical Pioneer but you don't thnk of the Funky side of Him. well that all changes on this set.He brings His funk on here.also on board is One of the Baddest All-around Musical Forces in Johnny "Guitar" Watson. JGW is wailing on the Axe matching the High intensity of Little Richard's Voice.the Grooves,arrangements all compliment Little Richard.check this one out.

At long last! Previously unreleased '60s Richard!!.......2004-02-27

Legacy has offered up a Grammy-worthy (mostly) reissue compilation, and they did it well: they provided noteworthy, lesser-known progressive tracks from a real rock and roll originator and insured collectibility by including *three* missing gems found at the far end of the vaults.
This set is primarily "The Explosive Little Richard" plus two four single sides (two of which came out only in Europe) and three miscellaneous.
The surprises: "Poor Dog" (the longest version yet) minus feline chorus; "A Little Bit Of Something" (possibly the first stereo issue, with a longer fade and a powerful closing holler); the movie ballad, "Hurry Sundown" with Richard's voice all the way through - earlier releases contained another singer apparently overdubbed in a spot where LR seems to go off-mike - a powerful octave-leaping performance; stereo versions of the Abbey Road cuts of "Get Down With It" and Fats Domino's "Rosemary".
The shockers: (speakin' of the Fat Man) an instrumental version of "The Rockin' Chair", his early '50s medium-temp blues classic - it sounds more like an instrumental of Richard's "Slippin' and Slidin" complete with heavily-miked piano and LR band exhortations, but, man, I'll take it; a relaxed but potent "Hound Dog" from the same session; and another big ballad, "Golden Arrow", from the final Okeh session in '67, featuring Richard as Cupid, it's exquisitely sung - Tom Jones' fans bend an ear!
Ofcourse many fans know that most of these numbers were produced by Richard's Specialty Records labelmate Larry Williams who obviously tried to do something different for his man. Instead of looking back he looked forward - the arrangements mix jazz with rock and strongly suggest the later efforts of groups like Blood, Sweat, and Tears, Chicago, and countless others. The best examples are the smooth, medium temp "(You're My Girl) I Don't Want To Discuss It", a soft vocal over a contemporary 4/4 beat, missed (apparently) by the radio station program directors but not by folks like Delaney and Bonnie, Rhinoceros, and Rod Stewart. How this missed the Top 100 I can't fathom. Two chartmakers were the pop ballad, "The Commandments Of Love", and the driving "Poor Dog".
Fans and historians might be interested in knowing that research shows that the first OKeh session took place approximately one month following his last session for Modern Records, a live recording made in Atlanta, Georgia. That effort went unreleased for quite a while apparently because of technical problems and the star's bad throat. The "Poor Dog" session was a *go* all the way.
It's hoped that Legacy follows up with the *complete*, unedited live session done at the "Okeh Club".
By the way, official Richard biographer Charles "Dr. Rock" White provides excellent notes. He does not dissect the cuts, however, and this adds to the enjoyment. Hearing even a few seconds of new sound from a greatly under-represented artist (note that most of his post-'50s work are '64 and '76 remakes) is what it's all about.

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Mel McDaniel - Greatest Hits

1. Delilah - Major Lance
2. Monkey Time - Major Lance
3. Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um - Major Lance
4. Hey Little Girl - Major Lance
5. You'll Want Me Back - Major Lance
6. Think Nothing About It - Major Lance
7. Matador - Major Lance
8. Rhythm - Major Lance
9. Found True Love - Billy Butler & the Enchanters
10. (You Make Me Think) You Ain't Ready - Billy Butler & the Enchanters
11. Gotta Get Away - Billy Butler & the Enchanters
12. I Can't Work No Longer - Billy Butler & the Enchanters
13. Welcome Home - Walter Jackson
14. That's What Mama Say - Walter Jackson
15. What Would You Do - Walter Jackson
16. My Ship Is Coming In - Walter Jackson
17. It's an Uphill Climb (To the Bottom) - Walter Jackson
18. It's All Over - Walter Jackson
19. Does It Matter - The Opals
20. Patty Cake - The Artistics
See all 24 tracks on this disc