Reviews (1)

a great collection
ok, most, if not all of this cd is already released by Rhino in their Blues collection, but who cares? Sure it's double dipping, but this music is at the heart of rock n roll. Yes music fans, Elvis was doing a cover song when he recorded "Hound Dog", and never really approached the nasty twist Big Mama Thorton's vocals gives the original. My only complaint is that there is plenty of other tunes out there Rhino could find, and the company has released these songs before. Still, even though I don't need to buy this to get any of the songs, to see them out again is a delight. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I am EXTREMELY proud to own this album!
Where to start...Well, if you are a fan of guitar music, you will love this album. On the other hand, if you like old blues standards, you will like the assortment of classics here. If you like both, then you will be in compact disc heaven! Every song is done with such feeling and energy that you can tell they had a blast making this. You get some of the hottest guitar players on the planet each creating masterpieces of sound. "Baby Please Don't Go," as performed by Zakk Wylde, is simply amazing. He sounds sort of goofy singing, but that's part of this song's charm. And his guitar playing...whoa! "You Don't Love Me" is sung by Ritchie Kotzen and shows that he isn't just a player, he's quite a singer. Listen to the last note he holds on the song and you'll know what I mean. "The Hunter" is another classic, sung with the same sort of intensity displayed throughout this amazing album. Every song is amazing in it's own right. I can't believe this album is not better known. It is so good it will send a shiver down your spine! Please buy this and share in my joy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This third volume in Rounder Records' ongoing classic-train-song series focuses on the R&B end of the rails. Its scope is perhaps a little too ambitious, since the selections here span nearly 70 years. Amid some pretty timeless competition, 1990s entries from the Holmes Brothers and Linda Tillery sound even more flatly digital (and surprisingly inanimate, given the subject matter) than they might otherwise. But classics like Louis Jordan's "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie" and Little Junior Parker's original recording of "Mystery Train"--which predates Elvis Presley's earth-shattering cover by a full year--give this volume a propulsive swagger that previous bluegrass- and country-centric volumes in the series lack. --Matt Hanks ... Read more

Reviews (3)

HELP PLEASE!
This is not a review but I am desperate and need help. This is driving me crazy...Years ago my Grandmother used to sing many of the old railroad songs. One of my favorites was The Wreck Of The Old 97. She used to sing another one, but I cannot remember many of the words, therfore I cannot find it ANYWHERE! I am getting desperate trying to find it someplace on line. The song/story is about a conductor driving down the railroad tracks, and when he passes by his house, if his baby is sick (or something like that) the light on the track (or house) will be red. If the baby is OK, the light will be green. I know I did not imagine this song, but I just cannot remember the words. Does anyone have a clue?? I sure hope you can help!

Thank You! Please email me at ssandlf@adelphia.net if you can help! I would sure appreciate it!!

African Americans sing about trains
Many compilations of train songs, including others in this series by Rounder, focus on country and folk music, but this set shows that people sang about trains regardless of musical genre or their own ethnic origin. So this set covers blues, jazz, boogie-woogie, R+B, soul and gospel.

Leadbelly adapted Rock Island line in the 1940's, most notably adding the discussion about pig iron and livestock. Others including Johnny Cash and Lonnie Donegan covered his version in the 1950's and beyond. However, the version here, by Linda Tillery and the cultural heritage choir, is more faithful to the song as it existed before Leadbelly made the changes that we now tend to assume were always there.

The version of Mystery train here is by Little Esther (actually Esther Phillips) and the robins. Esther had a top ten American hit in the sixties with Release me, a song which was originally a country hit for Ray Price but which is now associated with Engelbert Humperdinck. Esther does a superb job on Mystery Train.

A high standard is maintained throughout this set, beginning with Louis Jordan's classic rendition of Choo choo ch' boogie. Other train classics can be found here, including Trouble in mind and Boogie-woogie choo choo train.

Looking for help finding words to an old train song.
I am looking for the words to a song my father use to sing to my sister and I 45 years ago. I believe the title might be "Pulling Old #9". The words started "O n a cold winters night, not a start was in sight and the north wind came howing down the line. There stood a brave engineer with his sweetheart so dear and his orders to pull old #9. I know this is not a review but can you or someone help me find this song? Thank you very much. Earle Putnam ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great early rock n' roll
I can't say I was much aware of Johnny Otis until I stumbled across this CD. Since then, I became obsessed with finding out as much as possible about this rock n' roll hall of fame inductee. Although not a particularly great vocalist, Otis' contributions include the introducing of some of rock's earliest pioneers to the public-- including Jackie Wilson, and his live shows have been credited with giving rock its performance roots. If you like simplicity, rhythm and blues, then listen to this CD and enjoy the early sounds of great rock n' roll.

LET THE BOOGIE WOOGIE ROLL!!!!!
If you love Johnny Otis' brand of entertainment, this is your cup of tea. Leave it to the folks at ACE to do it right! This cd contains all the good stuff that Johnny Recorded for CAPITOL in 1956- 1958. "Willie and The Hand Jive", "Crazy Country Hop", "Castin' My Spell", Ma (He's Makin' eyes At Me) and "A Fool In Love" are the real winners in this package. THIS WAS INDEED, THE GREATEST ROCK'N ROLL REVIEW EVER TO BE ON STAGE. IT'S A MUST BUY. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Awesome swingin'n'wailin' jumpin' blues & R+B!!!
Big Mama has a big growlin' voice, I mean she could eat Big Maybelle for breakfast(though Maybelle is an equally versitile and great performer). Mama had a hit in Hound Dog way brfore Elvis, and she sings the heck out of it, making Presley's "hiccuped" version, pale in comparison. This cd is not really rock'n'roll as many people atste in the reviews it is pure 1950's R&B, with honking saxes, it qualifies as jump blues, and you can even jitterbug, lindy hop or jive for dancing purposes. It might be considered pre-rock'n;roll, or she may have been influential, but Mama's no more a rock'n'roller then Ruth Brown or Dinah Washington. Though rockabilly people such as myself like her rough style(think of Ruth Brown or Etta James, without the swettness), and you have Big Mama. My favorite is the straight lindy hopper jump blues "They Call Me Big Mama"(which has been covered very well by newer singer Vandeye Kane). The whole cd is worth repeated listenings, and it's good stuff to play while cruising East L.A. in your lowered 50's Chevy convertible.

Much better than Elvis Presley!
I have heard quite a few rock performers from the 1950s: Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Big Joe Turner, Carl Perkins, etc. And I must say that this CD is my very favorite CD of 50s music. Hey, I like Elvis Presley, but I realize that Big Mama Thornton was better than him. Her version of "Hound Dog" is so superior to his that it makes me wonder why his was the version that became so popular. And it's not just that one song, either. Instead, all of the songs on this collection are excellent. I suppose that some people would place this CD in the blues categoty, but I say that it is rock. Yes, this CD is rock and roll as it was meant to be. I hope that in 100 years from now when people make lists of the best rock music of the 20th century, the music from this CD will be high on their lists. If you have any interest at all in listening to music from the very birth of rock and roll, then this disc should make a very valuable addition to your collection.

if youve never heard this dog...
...then youve never really heard hound dog.
youll see in virtually every review comparison to presleys much toned down version. theres a reason. mamas dog howls,barks,and bites!
this great blues singer had a presence to rival howlin wolfs and when youre listening to her you will find yourself grinning from ear to ear.

Let The Hound Dog Howl
First things first - Contrary to the reviewer's claim below that "Hound Dog" was written by two white, jewish guys (Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller) although it true that they succeeded in obtaining the rights to the song, their claim of authorship along with that of Johnny Otis's are generally accepted to be wholly without merit. But in the final analysis who really cares, Big Mama made it her own and once you've heard her sing it you'll never forget it. So Long live Big Mama and let the hound dog howl!

While "Hound Dog" alone is worth the price of the CD, Big Mama's performances throughout are uniformly excellent and will not disapoint. "You Don't Move Me No More", "Yes Baby" and "How Come" showcase her powerful voice and superb phrasing perfectly. The musicians backing her are also first rate, particularly Roy Gaines and T-Bone Walker. The result is a CD that is truly a gem and that you'll find find yourself playing over and over.

get it straight
Hound Dog was written by two (white) (jewish) guys FOR Big Mama Thornton who performed it to receptive audiences in 1953. Elvis made it a bigger hit in 1956. it's a great song. ... Read more

Album Description

The complete RCA Victor Recordings by one of thecornerstone acts of west coast R&B. Never before issued onCD. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Fraction of Ernie Andrews' Greatness! IT'S A MUST BUY!
This album is only a fraction of what Ernie Andrews is to the world of jazz. He is truly one of Jazz's best kept secrets! If you are a fan of vocalists with unique, soulful, sassy, and heartfelt deliveries of music, then Ernie Andrews is the way to go. To experience jazz is to experience a vocal interpretation of a lyric by Ernie Andrews! This album is a must for you if you already have an Ernie Andrews collection and if you are just learning about Mr. Andrews you should look for him on any recording he's ever done. I have never been disappointed. All the work I've ever heard by Ernie Andrews is THE ABSOLUTE BEST! He is the kind of performer that made jazz what it is and continues to become, a unique art form.

For anyone to miss out on Ernie Andrews' music is to miss out on a special gift that truly should be shared with the world. Please spread the word about this wonderful entertainer and jazz performer. He is truly a rare breed. The world of jazz is lucky to have him!

Other CDs/records: The Great City, No Regrets, Gene Harris & The Philip- -Morris All-Stars Documentary: Blues for Central Avenue And Ernie Andrew

THE ALBUM IS A FRACTION OF ERNIE'S GREATNESS, A MUST BUY!
This album is only a fraction of what Ernie Andrews is to the world of jazz. He is truly one of Jazz's best kept secrets! If you are a fan of vocalists with unique, soulful, sassy, and heartfelt deliveries of music, then Ernie Andrews is the way to go. To experience jazz is to experience a vocal interpretation of a lyric by Ernie Andrews. This album is a must for you if you already have an Ernie Andrews collection and if you are just learning about Mr. Andrews you should look for him on any recording he's ever done. I have never been disappointed. All the work I've ever heard by Ernie Andrews is THE ABSOLUTE BEST! He is the kind of performer that made jazz what it is and continues to become, a unique art form.

For anyone to miss out on Ernie Andrews' music is to miss out on a special gift that truly should be shared with the world. Please spread the word about this wonderful entertainer and jazz performer. He is truly a rare breed. The world of jazz is lucky to have him!

Other CDs/records: The Great City, No Regrets, Gene Harris Project, Kenny Burrell:Ellington Is Forever (vol 1 and vol 2)

Documentary: Blues for Central Avenue And Ernie Andrews ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Compilation
I found a radio station on the web called The Breeze (Beach, Boogie and Blues) which is WWBZ broadcasting out of Charleston, S.C. What I discovered is a whole genre' of music devoted to Southern Atlantic beach music. It seems to revolve around a dance from the 60's called The Shag. This is not to be confused with the term 'shag' as used in the Austin Power's movie, but a style of dance.

The Shag is a very developed dance form from the 60's that kids danced basically on the beach. People have kept the style in going all these years. Finger Poppin' Time is one compilation of this type of music. It is based in R&B and blues, but adds a definite swing type style. I enjoyed this CD and recommend it for those investigating The Shag and beach, boogie and blue music. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Effort lost in a sea of hiss
I saw Guitar Shorty in Chicago and he blew me away. I was even more excited to find out that most of this album was recorded live. But as this was an older recording, it's not as professional sounding as "RollOver Baby" for instance "Hey Joe" starts IN THE MIDDLE ofthe song (again the version on Roll Over Baby is much better). On abrighter side, Whole Lot of Loving and Papa's Got a Brand New Bag are good.If you want to hear LOTS of guitar jamming check out Shorty's Theme(s). Heis a fantastic guitar player with lots of energy. There is just a lot of"hiss" on this recording, but the playing is great. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is the best Jesse Fuller release
Jesse was a friend of mine. We meet several times once in East Park, Georgia. He sat on the porch and sang for hours playing an old Sears Silvertone 12 string guitar. Many of the songs sung that day were from this recording, which was originally released on Goodtime Jazz. Jesse always wanted to be on the Ed Sullivan show. May his soul rest in peace.

Jesse is what blues is all about.
I was at Jesse's coffee shop concert in Seattle in 1958. Was an amazing performance of Original Blues from a master artist. Still have his 78 album. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good compilation
This album is a compilation of the Alligator records artists in the 80s and offers many highlights. The style varies greatly from the blues/rock of the Kinsey report, to the country blues of Alvin Bishop, to the jazz of Charles Brown. The album is the best of the 'HouseRockin' series and offers a link to the various artists of the Alligator label at that stage. The many highlights include Lonnie Mack, Delbert McClinton, Kenny Neal, Tinsley Ellis, Lucky Peterson and William Clarke. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A classic...
Charles Brown was a big influence on Ray Charles, and it shows.These songs feature absolutely no Bonnie Raitt or any other blues rocker, just Charles at his best.A classic at a great price. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

worth the extra money
this is my favorite of the jesse fuller cds. it is more or less a compilation of his recordings in 1963, which is the first year of his "rediscovered" career. jesse fuller's name comes up throughout the folk and blues revival of the 60's, and his talent has yet to be matched, in my opinion. quite a fantastic multi-instrumentalist. make that simultaneous multi-instrumentalist (try a snare, a foot-operated bass, a 12-string, and a harmonica all at once).

this cd contains tracks off "favorites" (first studio release) and "san francisco bay blues" (first live release) plus a few extra tracks. although "favorites" and SFBB are both good cds to get, they don't quite add up to this cd. their combined track numbers only equal 24, while this collection features 26 tracks, without the doubling of tracks that are on both "favorites" and SFBB. add up the prices, add up the tracks, this is definitely the best jess fuller cd to get. ... Read more