Jimmy McCracklin, Rockin' Man (1979) r. 1945-56

Jimmy McCracklin, Rockin' Man (1979) r. 1945-56

Friday's lunch record is by Jimmy McCracklin & His Blues Blasters. He was perhaps one of the most prolific singer/pianist/composer that American West Coast ever produced. He recorded and played  all styles and forms of R&B.  Swingin' jump blues and classic blues. This collection is fine example of his tremendous musical output. The YouTube sample song is "Looking For A Woman"  (1951) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V778ECpp1OE . . bucko

Percy Mayfield, The Voice Within (1984) r. 1949-58



Percy Mayfield, The Voice Within (1984) r. 1949-58

Thursday's lunch record is a collection of Percy Mayfield's recordings made in the early 50's. A prolific song writer and moving vocalist. These are blues influenced songs, some melodic some ballads and jump or boogie format. Most of the tracks are with the Maxell Davis (sax) orchestra, Red Callander (bass), Chuck Norris (guitar),Eddie Beal (piano). 16 songs by the writer stylist that penned for B.B. King and Ray Charles. The YouTube sample song is "How Wrong Can A Good Man Be" (1949) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoqMgpacFE8 . . bucko 

Jimmy McCracklin, I'm Gonna Have My Fun (1985) r. 1949-57

Jimmy McCracklin, I'm Gonna Have My Fun (1985) r. 1949-57

Wednesday's lunch record is the west-coast r&b of glues piano man and singer Jimmy McCracklin. This is a reissue collection on Route 66 records from Sweden. These tracks his version of jump blues along with his gritty interpretation of the blues. The YouTube  sample song is "I Cried" (1953)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiIJzQWZP9s . . bucko

Little Caesar, Lying Woman...Goodbye Baby (1983) r. 1952-53



Little Caesar, Lying Woman...Goodbye Baby (1983) r. 1952-53

Tuesday's lunch record is a collection of recordings by Little Caesar. A flamboyant blues singer recorded in the early 1940's in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He fronted several small R&B jump blues band, Que Martins Orchestra, Red Callander Sextet and The Maxwell Davis orchestra. He had a comical flair to his singing much like Louis Jordan. The YouTube sample song is "Big Eyes" (1953) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME5woCLsqqM . . bucko 

Floyd Dixon, Empty Stocking Blues (1985) r. 1947-53

Floyd Dixon, Empty Stocking Blues (1985) r. 1947-53

Monday's lunch record is a collection of songs by Floyd Dixon.  Being a blues singer and piano player from Texas he performed there and on the west coast. Strongly grounded in the jump blues style of the period he was a huge draw at clubs and on  R&B recordings. Tiny Web (guitar), Ellis Walsh (drums). In the 60's Floyd spent time with Johnny Moore's three blazers. Some tracks  Maxwell Davis lays down the sax. The YouTube sample song is "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfml-nhwd30 .  . bucko

Various, New York City Knockouts (1987) r. 1951-58



Various, New York City Knockouts (1987) r. 1951-58

Friday's lunch record is a compilation of heavy weight rock em' sock em' jump blues R&B records. This collection was compiled and issued on Moonshine blp 110 and released in 1987. Many obscure  but tremendously popular artists appear. Titus Turner, Sil Austin (sax),Wilbert Harrison, Chuck Willis, Biddy Lucas (sax), Big John Greer (sax), Nobel Watts (sax), Faye Adams (vocal), Freddy Mitchell (sax). Plenty of hot honkin' and blastin' jump blues. The YouTube sample song is "He's A Real Gone Guy" by Sil Austin (1956) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJyTsZlCc1E . . bucko 

Leon Spencer, Sneak Preview (1971)

Leon Spencer, Sneak Preview (1971)

Thursday's lunch record is by Leon Spencer. This was his debut album on Prestige records which was a premier jazz label. A grooving solid jazz-funk musical outing. Leon on organ with an accomplished group of side men. Virgil Jones (trumpet), Grover Washington Jr. (tenor sax), Melvin Sparks (guitar), Idris Muhammed (drums) and Buddy Cadwell (conga). Leon's organ style is  smooth and he is an exciting soloist. The YouTube sample song is "The Slide" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7azYpFYH2I . . bucko

Diana Ross And The Supremes, Greatest Hits (1967)

Diana Ross And The Supremes, Greatest Hits (1967)

Wednesday's lunch record is the collection of mid sixties hits by the Supremes. This is a double album with todays listen being sides 3&4. This was the first album where Diana Ross's name was featured as the lead singer of the soul vocal group. Hits including "You Keep Me Hangin' On", "You Can't Hurry Love", "The World Is Empty Without You", "The Happening" and others. The YouTube sample Song is "Standing At The Crossroads Of Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iMZi7Lg8Dk . . bucko

T- Bone Walker, T-Bones Blues (1970)

T- Bone Walker, T-Bones Blues (1970)

Tuesday's lunch record is by T-Bone Walker, a hard picking Texas blues guitar player and blues singer. One of the first to use the new electric guitar introducing it the world of blues. Great song writer and entertainer. This album is one of his greatest covering many of his all time classics. "Stormy Monday Blues", " Mean Old World", T-Bone Shuffle", Papa Ain't Salty" and others. All star band backing T-Bone including Barney Kessel (guitar), Plas Johnson (saxophone).  The YouTube sample song is " Two Bones And A Pick" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqe_3s3Y9y4 . . bucko

Red Prysock, Rock and Roll with Red Prysock EP (1956)



Red Prysock, Rock and Roll with Red Prysock EP (1956)

Monday's lunch record is the Italian Mercury EP  Rock and Roll with the Red Prysock Orchestra. This extended play 45 rpm record contains four rock songs. Two by Red Prysock, Hand Clappin & Shoestring. A Buddy Johnson rocker "Crazy About A Saxophone" featuring Purvis Hensen blowing and honkin' that saxophone. A Buddy Morrow song called "Rock-A-Beating Boogie". The YouTube sample song is "Hand Clappin' " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_b1hSI3PcI . . .bucko

Rockin' Jumpin' Shoutin' , (1987) r. 1955-57

Rockin' Jumpin' Shoutin' , (1987) r. 1955-57

Friday's lunch record is a rowdy collection of deep south Rhythm and Blues that was recorded on the Goldband record label. Located in Lake Charles Lousiana they ground out the diverse music of the bayou area. A strong Cajun, Rockabilly, Country and Rhythm & Blues were their specialty. This album features Clarence 'Bon-Ton' Garlow, Charles 'Mad Dog' Sheffield and Ivory Lee Jackson. These 13 tracks are reissued on the Charly Records label. The YouTube sample song is " Cool Cat" by Mad Dog Sheffield (1955) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xBJvhIp3jY . . bucko

Zoot Sims, New Beat Bosa Nova (1962)

Zoot Sims, New Beat Bosa Nova Vol. 2 (1962

 Thursday's lunch record is the jazz entry b Zoot Sims. Zoot is a heavy on the tenor. This is new progressive interpretation of the hot new trend in early 1960's dance and party music. The solid jazz lines are the thread weaving through the current standards. Milt Hinton adds his distinctive bass and Jim Hall on guitar along with Latin feel percussion. The YouTube sample song is "Poquito Cantando" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oqzsrq22ts . . bucko

Diana Ross And The Supremes, Greatest Hits (1967)

Diana Ross And The Supremes, Greatest Hits (1967)

Wednesday's lunch record is the wonderful collection if the Supremes better known songs. This is a double album todays listen are sides 1 & 2. 15 various tracks such as "Run, Run, Run", "Baby Love", "Stop In The Name Of Love", "Come See About Me", "Where Did our Love Go" along with others.  This is the album that their name change to Diana Ross and the Supremes. This is the last album Florence Henderson is in the group being replaced by Cindy Birdsong. This album was their second album to reach #1 status. The YouTube sample song is "Nothing But Heartaches" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0M6CB1T4iU . . bucko

Chuck Willis , The King Of The Stroll (1958)

Chuck Willis , The King Of The Stroll (1958)Add caption

Tuesday's lunch record is a rock & roll Favorite. This is classy rock blues featuring the dynamic singing of Chuck Willis. These songs were recorded for Okeh records in 1956-57. The tracks were assembled into this by Atlantic records and released  as this album in 1958. These are great dance numbers with a strong blues  foundation. The YouTube sample song is "Kansas City Woman" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfril_JM2mI . . bucko

Listen To Dr. Jive, Great R'nB From 1953-56 (1983)

Listen To Dr. Jive, Great R'nB From 1953-56 (1983)

Monday's lunch record is an R&B compilation featuring 15 tracks. This record was compiled and released by Krazy Kat records in England. There are 5 little known artists. This is as the title says Great R'nB. Jump blues along with rockin' fun tunes. Otis Blackwell, Dean Barlow, Lem Johnson, Nat Foster, Danny 'Run Joe' Taylor and Warren 'Tenor Sax' Lucky. Many honkin' good sax players, Sam 'The Man' Taylor, Haywood Henry and Al Sears. The YouTube sample song is "Gator Tail" by Danny Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hw1Vf9ggRJQ . . bucko

Melvin Sparks, Texas Twister (1973)

Melvin Sparks, Texas Twister (1973)

Friday's lunch record is by Melvin Sparks. A Texas jazz guitarist recorded for Eastbound records. This album drives the funk-jazz mainstream with hot quick guitar kicks and funky horns.  Ron Bridgewater (tenor sax), Idris Muhammad (drums), Sonny Phillips (organ) plus others. The YouTube sample song is "Whip Whop" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i-5U_qnniM . . bucko

The Supremes, More Hits By The Supremes (1965)

The Supremes, More Hits By The Supremes (1965)

Thursday's lunch record is a collection of hit records by the Supremes. These tracks are from 1964 - 19965and  are their top selling records for Motown. Songs include "Ask Any Girl", "Nothing But Heartaches", "Stop In The Name Of Love", "Honey Boy". "Back In My Arms Again", Whisper You Love Me Boy" and others. The YouTube sample song is "I'm In Love Again" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLO4JQdtQQ4 . . bucko

Chuck Willis, My Story (1980) r. 1951-54

Chuck Willis, My Story (1980) r. 1951-54

Wednesday's lunch record is a collection of R&B songs recorded by Chuck Wilis from the early 1950's. These are on the Okeh label featuring the R&B styling's of a smooth blues singer. His big hit "I feel so Bad" (1953) is included and "Going To The River" ('53) along with 17 other tracks. The YouTube sample song " Caldonia" ('52) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn1tLqLEcEs . . bucko

Jesse Allen Rockin' And Rollin' (1986) r.1951-1954



Jesse Allen Rockin' And Rollin' (1986) r.1951-1954

Tuesday's lunch record is the collection of Jesse Allen's recordings he did for the Imperial record label. Jesse Allen was an outstanding rhythm & blues singer playing around the New Orleans area. He spent many nights gigging at the Dew Drop Inn a popular rhythm club . Playing with contemporary's Bobby Mitchell, Tommy Ridgley & Larry Darnell. Many of his early recordings  were produced by Dave Bartholomew. The YouTube sample song is "Rockin' & Rollin' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg9s1y1nGAk . . bucko

Lonnie Smith, Turning Point (1969)



Lonnie Smith, Turning Point (1969)

Monday's lunch record is the second album for Lonnie Smith (organ) on Blue Note records. This soul-jazz outing dances on the line of main stream jazz. He is joined by Melvin Sparks on guitar, Lee Morgan (trumpet, Julian Priester (trombone). Bennie Maupin (tenor sax), Leo Morris (drums). They perform a couple covers, "See-Saw" (Covay), "Eleanor Rigby" (Lenon-McCarney). The YouTube sample song is "Slow High" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-pQJYn3_hY . . bucko

The Supremes, I Hear A Symphony (1966)



The Supremes, I Hear A Symphony (1966)

Friday's lunch record is the sensational Supremes. This album was a crossover album thrusting the girls into performing more of a pop sound along with maintaining their Motown sound. Their number one single "My World Is Empty Without You" along with standards "With A Song In My Heart', Without A Song", "Stanger in Paradise  and "Wonderful, Wonderful". The YouTube sample song "Unchained Melody" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82HDLhaou00 . . bucko 

Billy Wright The Prince Of The Blues, Stacked Deck (1986) r.1949-54



Billy Wright The Prince Of The Blues, Stacked Deck (1986) r. 1949-54.

Thursday's lunch record is by 'Billy Wright'. This is a compilation of recordings he did for the Savoy label. He was a popular blues singer from the Atlanta Ga. Billy was a performer with a flamboyant flashy style, he encouraged and influenced Little Richard in his early years. His rhythm & blues songs and show were part of the ground work for rock n' roll. The YouTube sample song is "After Dark Blues (1950) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrRcT1LEQA . . bucko

Lee Allen, Walkin' With Mr Lee (1958)



Lee Allen, Walkin' With Mr Lee (1958)

Wednesday's lunch record is by sax man Lee Allen. This is the sound of the 'Big Beat' from New Orleans. The title was a huge hit and theme song for Lee Allen.  He was the sax man behind Little Richards hit records of the mid 50's and also one of the horns with Fats Domino. Time blowin'  in the Paul Gayton and Dave Bartholomew's bands, Plenty of dance music for that rock n' roll dance party. The YouTube sample song is "Walkin' With Mr. Lee" (Theme song on American Bandstand) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AoAzhCKGXU . . bucko