Okeh [Import]

Track Listings

1. Ain't Gonna Move

2. End Up Crying

3. I Can't Work No Longer

4. I'll Leave It Up To You

5. Let My Heart And Soul Be

6. Memories - The Troumphs

7. Your Good Girl's Gonna Go

8. You Ask For One Good Reas

9. Cool Breeze

10. Rhythm

11. You're Gonna Be Sorry

12. Just Another Dance

13. After You There Can Be No

14. I Can't Make It Without Y

15. South Like West

16. Let Me Show It To You

17. Yesterday Is Gone

18. You Can't Take It Away

19. A Little Bit Of Something

20. Second Class Lover

See all 24 tracks on this disc

Okeh,Various Artists,Ace,R&B/Soul

Okeh [Import]

Tracks:

Frankie
Nobody's Dirty Business
Ain't No Tellin'
Louis Collins
Avalon Blues
Big Leg Blues
Stack O' Lee
Candy Man Blues
Got The Blues (Can't Be Satisfied)
Blessed Be The Name
Praying On The Old Camp Ground
Blue Harvest Blues
Spike Driver Blues

Amazon.com

Mississippi John Hurt recorded 13 country-blues songs for the Okeh Electric Records company in 1928. Then he vanished. Actually, he never went anywhere. Indeed, he never strayed from his hometown of Avalon, Mississippi. He simply put the guitar down. It was the Great Depression, times were tough, money was scarce, and he needed to work. Nearly 30 years later, a blues enthusiast tracked him down, took him back to Washington, D.C., and suddenly Mississippi John's musical career resumed as quickly as it had finished. He recorded again, but these first songs from the late 1920s--with John's melancholy voice and hypnotic guitar playing at its most inspired--are his greatest musical accomplishments. --Percy Keegan

Customer Reviews:

The real thing.......2007-03-22

Fabulous singing, guitar playing that must have had a great influence on Jerry Garcias acoustic stuff. And wonderful songs.

Mellifluous early blues recordings!.......2006-09-04

Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm. Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground"). The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era. A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.

As to the recordings themselves, they are probably the sweetest sounding, most mellifluous early delta/country blues I have ever heard. John Hurt may not have had the well-known name of a Robert Johnson or Son House, but these recordings have had their influence in their own way. The song Stack O' Lee penned by Hurt became an R&B hit in 1950 (as Stack-A-Lee) for New Orleans pianist Archibald, and also became a rock-and-roll hit in 1958 for Lloyd Price (as Stagger Lee).

It should be noted that after Hurt recorded these songs, he went back to work in his hometown of Avalon, MS. Because this was an out-of the-way town, few passed through it, and because of this Hurt was influenced by few outside artists of the day. What we wind up with on this album is the heart and soul of John Hurt.......and it is magnificent.

Avalon Blues; Complete 1928 okeh recordings.......2006-03-26

If you like to hear Mississippi John Hurt, this is a very good
group of early music he sang. I like it very much, and I bought it as a gift for a family member never thinking I would get "hooked" on him as much as the family member was. This open my eyes to some wonderful music. I'm glad I bought for someone else and got to listen to it myself.

sweet sweet blues.......2006-03-08

This is simply the smoothest blues i've ever heard. His incredibly fluid and smooth playing style is like a steady flow of water. Im also amazed at how one man could create such a sound with a guitar and sing at the same time. This music is also incredibly happy sounding for blues, the lyrics are rather sad, but the pretty way he sings them makes it very sweet sounding. This music reminds me less of the old delta blues (even though thats what it is) but sounds more like music from the hills, almost as if there is a folky feel to it. This is definately a great addition to anybodies blues collection, and i thoroughly suggest anybody who is interested in the blues to check this out.

classic blues.......2005-12-23

As good as anything ever recorded.Remarkable guitar style.Soft sweet soulfull voice.Unlike anyone of his time.A MUST HAVE!!

Average customer rating:

Her Name Is Maybelle
Big Maybelle on Okeh
Look No Further - Big Maybelle is the Real McCoy!
Great Maybelle
one of the best

The Complete OKeh Sessions 1952-55
Big Maybelle
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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East Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

New York Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000028ZN
Release Date: 1994-08-09

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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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
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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!

Average customer rating:

Bip-Bip
this should be a TEN star
Shame on me
The Legendary Okeh and Epic Recordings
"OKEH" (is) DOKEY, and THE "EPIC LABEL" SESSIONS are SPECTACULAR!!

The Legendary Okeh and Epic Recordings
Ahmad Jamal
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Ahmad's Blues
Complete Recordings
Cross Country Tour: 1958-1961
Poinciana
Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing: But Not for Me

ASIN: B0009Y26NQ
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
Will You Still Be Mine
Ahmad's Blues
A Gal In Calico
Aki And Ukthay
Billy Boy
Black Beauty
Love For Sale
Something To Remember You By
Poinciana
Don't Blame Me
Autumn Leaves
They Can't Take That Away From Me
Old Devil Moon
It's Easy To Remember
Squeeze Me
Crazy He Calls Me
Pavanne
Perfidia
Rica Pulpa
The Donkey Serenade

Customer Reviews:

Bip-Bip.......2007-06-08

The Piano playing of Ahmad Jamal is excellent. However in the background and only on the songs that have percussion in the background, you get to hear this little mechanical bip-bot pop poop like bongo drum. Like a small child playing on a toy snare. It is so horrible to have to hear this accompaniment in the background! Oh what can the matter be? Why Billy Boy didn't we get a regular drummer to accom Jamal and the bass? Soft brushes for the ballads, etc. What a disappointment. The CD would be better off w/no accompanying rhythm then to have this noise in the background.

this should be a TEN star.......2006-11-02

This is a must for anyone who loves jazz piano! This is the best one I have so far, although "Ahmad's Blues" is also a favorite of mine because of the song selections, this cd gives more Jamal for the money..

Shame on me.......2006-03-30

Why after listening to jazz all this time did I wait until february of 2006 to finally try something by Ahmad Jamal? Shame on me! I've heard people speak of him for years but for whatever reason I just never got around to giving him a try. I'm very happy with this disc being my introduction. It's packed to the brim with great tunes and tasteful playing, and the price is nice.

This is a unique format in terms of instrumentation and how they play together. I really like it. Piano, electric guitar and bass. Ray Crawford on guitar has one of those clean tones, the type most non-jazz fans probably associate with "jazz guitar". Sometimes he solos as you'd expect but sometimes he plays as if he's the drummer. I tend not to be totally in love with his drummer impersonations but that's not what he's usually doing so I can deal with it. He takes some solos that surprised me in terms of how much I liked them, given that my tastes in "jazz guitar" generally revolve almost solely around the 1920s and '30s, and then leap forward to the Sonny Sharrocks, Nels Clines and Tisziji Munozs of the world.

Part of the liner-notes are old Nat Hentoff stuff about how Ahmad struck him as piano-bar jazz. On the one hand I could see that. On the other, no way. I guess one could say this is subtle, restrained jazz oftentimes. If you're in the mood for highspeed pyrotechnics ala Clifford Brown, or cataclysmic explosions ala '66 Coltrane, this is not the disc you'll be popping into the cd player, that is true. Ahmad doesn't often (at least here, the only album of his I own) play with the blues-soaked intensity of Wynton Kelly, nor does he attack the piano the way a Cecil Taylor or Marilyn Crispell might. Not that these 2 men play similarly at all, but I guess if I had to make a "mood comparison" between Ahmad and another famous jazz pianist, I'd make that comparison with Bill Evans. There is an emotional depth coupled with a certain relative lightness of style, if that makes any sense. I know people who truly dislike Bill Evans' music precisely because it doesn't have the bluesy thrust of a Wynton Kelly or the acoustic funk of a Blue Note early '60s session. I'd have to ask, but now having heard him, I imagine those same people may not like Ahmad either, though he does oftentimes have more bounce and blues than Evans.

Maybe it's just because I've never been to a piano bar but in my head, I've never imagined sitting there eating dinner and chatting with friends while largely ignoring (or relegating to mere background tickling of ivories) a musician of the caliber of Ahmad Jamal (and band) on this disc! I'm not even all that happy with how I've worded this. You just have to hear this music.

Based on the other reviews here I wish that other track were included here, as I've never heard it, but I can't say I have anything to complain about with my purchase of this disc. Great sound and delightful playing all around!

The Legendary Okeh and Epic Recordings.......2006-02-23

Having been an avid fan of Ahmad Jamal for many years, this CD is a treasure!!! The man is in a special class in the world of jazz music. With such artistry, his name will go down as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.

"OKEH" (is) DOKEY, and THE "EPIC LABEL" SESSIONS are SPECTACULAR!!.......2005-11-10

Five Stars? This CD deserves SIX!! Highly influential recording! Not only is this one of the GREAT JAZZ TRIOS in history, but it documents an early vestige of the groundbreaking hit "Poinciana" and why no less than Miles Davis himself was mesmerized and influenced enough to record some of the same Jamal songs and, indeed, to imitate the Jamal solo style at times with his trumpet. No? Listen to "Autumn Leaves" here and then go to Cannonball's album "Something Else" and listen to that approximation version, with Hank Jones and Miles Davis both in the role of Mr Jamal. Or listen to the Davis quintet with Red Garland in the role of Mr Jamal. Or listen to "Love For Sale", "Surrey With the Fringe On Top", "Billy Boy", or many others. And Davis readily admitted Jamal's heavy influence on his style, arrangements, and song selection. Even when Miles got away from Jamal-type pianists with Wynton Kelley, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock, he was still using the Jamal "pedal points", but they were now calling them "modes" to enable extended solos. But enough with the historical roots and influences, let's examine this tremendous CD.

The Okeh label sessions go back to 1951 but suffer no time lag, they are as current as anything piayed today in modern jazz. Ahmad Jamal was READY when he made his appearance as a performing artist. And super guitarist Ray Crawford is a true star in solos, comping, and imitating a wild bongo with his pizzacato plucking, spinning dazzling lines over and over. Tracks 1 to 4 (from "Surrey...." to "Gal in Calico") are terrific solo performances. "Ari and Ukthay" is fantastic but I wonder how many people skipped that track based on the title alone. The 1955 EPIC label sessions continue the excellent performances and some amazing trio interplay between Jamal, Crawford, and his really disciplined bassists, Israel Crosby and Eddie Calhoun (soon to join Errol Garner in his amazing trios). Pieces D'Resistance, the best of the best, include the endless vamp of "Squeeze Me"; the nonpariel Jamal ballad style shown in "Crazy He Calls Me"; the forward looking "Poinciana"; Miles Davis favorites "Love For Sale" and "Autumn Leaves"; "Pavanne", the amazing interplay of "Rica Pulca", "The Donkey Serenade" and "Perfidia" among many other DIAMOND PERFORMANCES.

"Love For Sale" (track 8) deserves special consideration. It is simply one of the finest trio performances in Jazz History and one of the premier piano solos of this song ever. Jamal deconstructs and re-constructs this song in every way imaginable, all over a driving drumless latin beat that Jamal and Crawford must sustain while driving the song forward. From gentle nuance to two handed cresendos, in over 8 minutes, Jamal covers the piano from end to end, getting into the extreme notes on either end of the piano that most pianists avoid, and making it an AWESOME experience of shifting dynamics. And Ray Crawford plays a killer solo as well. Jamal's 'comping' is exceptional. One of Jazz' great swinging performances. Note how Jamal repeats one note an amazing 18 TIMES in a row after Crawford's solo, a technique that Miles later used to great effect, and it fits perfectly.

I waited decades for the Epic Lable sessions to come back and the wait was worth it. The 24-bit Digital Remastering is outstanding. Now if someone could only find the Chess sessions that include the LP "COUNT'EM 88" with "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year", "Volga Boatman", and the superb ballad "Maryam" (sp). And also release the outstanding "HEAT WAVE" recording. These two would make my updated recording collection virtually complete. PLEASE!

BTW, this CD will permanently reside in my 5 CD disk rotation forever, never to leave the player again. Thanks, Ahmad.

(NOTE: There were three great piano, guitar, bass trios (and one variation) in the form of Nat Cole, Oscar Moore, Johnny Miller; Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Herb Ellis; and the Jamal trio. (The variation would be xylo/vibraharpist Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, and uber-bassist Charles Mingus.) Two of the three, Peterson and Jamal, despite their 'guitar trio' greatness, would become the standard piano, bass, drum unit within a short time in the late 50's to early 60's. Maybe the financial success of Errol Garner's 'trio with drums' was a partial reason. Nat Cole would abandon the trio early on and go into the recording studio to pump out some of history's greatest pop songs, coming back only for cameo appearances within that format. And Mingus would go on to become..Mingus, a legend. But while it lasted, these piano/vibe, guitar, bass trios were fabulous and will never be forgotten.)

The Right Tracks - Complete Okeh Recordings 1963-1966

Average customer rating:

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

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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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.

There Will Be No Sweeter Sound: Columbia-Okeh Post-War Gospel Story '47-'62

Average customer rating:

There Will Be No Sweeter Sound: Columbia-Okeh Post-War Gospel Story '47-'62
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Good News: 100 Gospel Greats
Gospels, Spirituals & Hymns

ASIN: B000002AIL
Release Date: 1998-02-17

Tracks:

Rough And Rocky Road - The Mello-Tones
What Are They Doing In Heaven - The Mello-Tones
Flying Saucers - The Mello-Tones
When The Pearly Gates Unfold - The Mello-Tones
Cool By The Riverbanks - The Mello-Tones
Looking For That City Called Heaven - The Mello-Tones
Run On For A Long Time - Bill Landford & The Landfordaires
Touch Me Jesus - Bill Landford & The Landfordaires
You Ain't Got Faith (Till You Got Religion) - Bill Landford & The Landfordaires
Lord I've Tried - Bill Landford & The Landfordaires
Troubled, Lord I'm Troubled - Bill Landford & The Landfordaires
Devil Is No Relation To Me - Brother Porter & Brother Cook with The Porterettes
Don't Turn Around - The R.S.B. Gospel SIngers
Oh, What A Time - The R.S.B. Gospel SIngers
Father, I Pray - The R.S.B. Gospel SIngers
My Lord And I - The R.S.B. Gospel SIngers
Inside The Beautiful Gate - The R.S.B. Gospel SIngers
Just A Little Talk With Jesus - Deep South Boys
Holy Ghost Getting Us Ready - Deep South Boys
My Soul Is A Witness - Deep South Boys

Tracks:

All The Way - Sunset Jubilee Singers
Rasslin' Jacob - Sunset Jubilee Singers
Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow - Sunset Jubilee Singers
There'll Be A Jubilee - Sunset Jubilee Singers
Jesus Is The Searchlight - The Bailey Gospel Singers
Journey To The Sky - The Bailey Gospel Singers
Count Your Blessings - Jackson Gospel Singers
Lord Take Care Of Me - Jackson Gospel Singers
Softly And Tenderly (Jesus Is Calling) - Brother Rodney
Sweet Hour Of Prayer - Brother Rodney
I'm Going Through - Brother Rodney
Rock Of Ages - Brother Rodney
I Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me - The Pearly Gates Spiritual Singers
Not Alone - The Pearly Gates Spiritual Singers
Man Called Jesus - The Pearly Gates Spiritual Singers
Jesus At The Wall - Sister Myrtle Fields
I'm Toiling - Sister Myrtle Fields
Death Draws Nigh - Sanders Cooper & Sons Of Glory
I'll Journey On - Sanders Cooper & Sons Of Glory
I Thank The Lord - Sanders Cooper & Sons Of Glory

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

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Jump Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Box Sets | Stores | Music

General | Jazz | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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
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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

Average customer rating:

Great Music, Poor Remastering
Atrocious Noise Reduction Job
Great music, but I hate this sound.
Great stuff!
THE GREAT BLACK ENTERTAINER!

The OKeh Ellington
Duke Ellington
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Orchestral Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Early Ellington: Complete Brunswick Recordings
The Kansas City Sessions
The Complete Decca Recordings
The Essential Bessie Smith
Complete Legendary Fargo Concert

ASIN: B00000274L
Release Date: 1991-03-26

Tracks:

East St. Louis Toodle-oo
Hop Head
Down In Our Alley Blues
What Can A Poor Fellow Do? - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Black & Tan Fantasy - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Chicago Stomp Down - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Sweet Mama (Papa's Getting Mad)
Stack O'Lee Blues
Bugle Call Rag
Take It Easy - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Jubilee Stomp
Harlem Twist (East St. Louis Toodle-oo)
Diga Diga Doo
Doin' The New Low Down
Black Beauty
Swampy River
The Mooche - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Move Over - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Hot & Bothered - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Blues With A Feelin' - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Goin' To Town - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
Misty Mornin' - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
I Must Have That Man
Freeze And Melt
Mississippi Moan

Tracks:

That Rhythm Man
Beggar's Blues
Saturday Night Function
Jungle Jamboree
Snake Hip Dance
Lazy Duke
Blues Of The Vagabond
Syncopated Shuffle
The Mooche (Alt. Vers.)
Ragamuffin Romeo
East St. Louis Toodle-oo
Sweet Mama
Hot And Bothered
Double Check Stomp
Black And Tan Fantasy
Big House Blues
Rocky Mountain Blues
Ring Dem Bells
Three Little Words
Old Man Blues
Sweet Chariot
Mood Indigo
I Can't Realize You Love Me
I'm So In Love With You
Rockin' In Rhythm

Amazon.com essential recording

Digesting the music of Duke Ellington's revolutionary "jungle" period is a complicated pursuit because he recorded multiple arrangements for a number of labels between 1927 and 1932. Sony owns his OKeh and Columbia cuts (found on these two CDs), BMG owns his Victor sides, and Decca owns his Brunswick and Vocalion work (issued on the three-CD Early Ellington). All of them contain readings of standout compositions like "Black and Tan Fantasy," "East St. Louis Toodle-oo," "Black Beauty," "The Mooche," "Mood Indigo," and "Rockin' in Rhythm." The OKeh package lacks versions of "Solitude" and "Creole Love Call," but offers some noteworthy exclusives: superb solo stride-piano versions of "Black Beauty" and "Swampy River"; Jabbo Smith's wonderful trumpet solo on a 1927 version of "Black and Tan Fantasy" as a game-day replacement for "indisposed" co-composer Bubber Miley; and the first recording of "The Mooche," with Miley in control and guitarist Lonnie Johnson augmenting an already formidable lineup that includes Tricky Sam Nanton, Barney Bigard, Harry Carney, and Johnny Hodges. Even when a star like trumpet-growl pioneer Miley moved on, Cootie Williams would more than fill the gap. Musically, Ellington brought jazz to new levels of sophistication, complexity, and emotional depth during this first great period, synthesizing the classic New Orleans sound with a vibrant theatrical element and a dynamic rhythmic impulse. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Great Music, Poor Remastering.......2006-01-06

What else can I say? I played a very clean copy of the 78 rpm of "Diga Diga Doo" on my turntable last week, then put on this CD's remastering, and it was amazing how Sony's engineeers drained all the presence and warmth out of what were some of the BEST recorded 78s of their era! Don't get me started on the pitch problems with the acoustic recordings! Now that Sony-BMG have merged, one can only pray that 21st-century technology will be applied to these masterworks and put this mangy puppy to sleep. 3 stars for music alone.

Atrocious Noise Reduction Job.......2005-10-06

I'm appalled this CD is still in print using the same horrid transfers Sony made in 1991. The major label philosophy at that time was, "Eliminate any and all trace of hiss or crackle from the original 78, no matter if it totally kills the music in the process." Great progress has been made since that time in the development of technology to transfer 78s without destroying the music, but has Sony bothered to create a new remaster? No. They are still pressing new CDs from the original 1991 transfers and they sound HORRID. Save your money, I beg of you, and wait for somebody to do this material correctly. This release is a disgrace.

Great music, but I hate this sound........2005-09-06

This 2Cd contains some great performances of this absolutely best orchestra ever. I love first version of The Mooche with Baby Cox and Hot & Bothered too. Harlem twist not first but one of the best versions of East St. Louis Toodle-oo. Great version of Mood Indigo and Black and Tan fantasy without Bubber Miley.
And first version of great Rockin'in Rhythm.
This is a essential music for every fans of early jazz.
But!!! sound on this double cd is one of the worst I ever heard.
Absolutely muted, no clarity, no high tones, no drums.
I recorded some songs (Rockin'in Rhythm, The Mooche, Harlem Twist) in Austrian radio station and sound on my cassette is 100% better than on this 2Cd.
I hope then this recordings in future will be release in better form than on this Cd.

Great stuff!.......2003-07-22

I'm not a tremendous expert on Ellington's earlier material, but this CD set compares favorably with my old RCA 3-LP collection that covers nearly the same period. I love this stuff, even the silly novelty numbers and the middling tunes that sound like they belong on the soundtrack of a Betty Boop cartoon. The sound quality is good for recordings this old, and the booklet has plenty of info.

My only complaint is that some tunes show up a few too many times (there are *how many* versions of "East St. Louis Toodeloo" on here under various titles?!?), even if they have some significant differences - and I find I can only listen to one of the discs at a time before I burn out.

But this is just wonderful music, and a must for anybody interested in Ellington and/or early jazz.

THE GREAT BLACK ENTERTAINER!.......2002-08-12

Duke Ellington in my opinion, was the best composer and piano player since Scott Joplin. He was the man! Duke Ellington; that is. Duke's music was the cotton club's entertainment. After Duke went on to persue new avenues, Cab Calloway took over the cotton Club's entertainment. These songs on this CD are his early pieces, such as: The Mooche, with or without Baby Cox singing vocal. Sweet Mama, Black Beauty, Black & Tan Fantasy, and many more. Another jazz masterpiece for your collection.

R&B Music:

R&B Music

r&b music

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Open

Jamento: The Monty Alexander 7

1. Ain't Gonna Move
2. End Up Crying
3. I Can't Work No Longer
4. I'll Leave It Up To You
5. Let My Heart And Soul Be
6. Memories - The Troumphs
7. Your Good Girl's Gonna Go
8. You Ask For One Good Reas
9. Cool Breeze
10. Rhythm
11. You're Gonna Be Sorry
12. Just Another Dance
13. After You There Can Be No
14. I Can't Make It Without Y
15. South Like West
16. Let Me Show It To You
17. Yesterday Is Gone
18. You Can't Take It Away
19. A Little Bit Of Something
20. Second Class Lover
See all 24 tracks on this disc