Blues with a rhythm Volume 2
You know what happens when the clock strikes 1?! We listened to Blues with a rhythm
and had a lot of fun. You know what happens when the clock strikes 2?! Blues with a
rhythm Volume 2 is what we got for you!
Ohh yes!
Blues with a rhythm Volume Two, brought to you by the fine collections of Farewell
records from France. These rare recordings have been painstakingly re-released on LP in
their original sonic 45rpm glory.
Detroit kicks things off with a side released in February of 1962 on the MAH’s label.
Lee Rogers hits us with “Troubles.” Originally a B side, Detroit’s Black DJ’s preferred it
to the A side which was “Walk on by.” Lee, who was good friend of Marvin Gaye, buried
Gaye’s side “Sandman” in the charts which was released about the same time. Troubles
features the pianist Joe Hunter and Sax-man Eli Fontaine.
Another B-side makes the grade with Ricky Allen doing “Catch up with Your Crowd.”
Allen who came to Chicago in 1960, cut this record for AGE in 1963. Age was an offshoot
of the Chief label, which is best known for the amazing blues records they released
with Elmore James among others.
A killer side released on Fling in 1962 by the elusive Mary “B” lays us out. “Something
for you Baby,” is only one of four sides she is known to have recorded with the legendary
Harlem record shop owner, and producer, Morgan “Bobby” Robinson at the controls.
Legend has it Mary had a very jealous boyfriend who refused to let her go to sessions
alone, thus possibly ending a blossoming recording career.
Little Jimmy Griffin gives us the side, “If things don’t change,” on Kansas City’s R or
“Our” record label, released in 1961. This fantastic record has King Alex and the
Untouchables on it as the backing band.
Tabby Thomas gives us the Excello recording, “Hoodo Party.” This swamp rocker or
“stop and go” record was released in 1961 and rates as Tabby’s finest. He released sides
on the Delta and Feature labels before recording this record for the famed Louisiana
label. He was a local DJ and club owner who just passed away in January of this year at
age 84.
Another B side is up next, this time Hanna Dean’s “Itty Bitty Love,” on Columbia.
Released in August of 1960 it is only one of six sides recorded, and is now a Northern
Soul favorite.
Blind singer and guitarist Clarence Scott along with Calvin Scott, who was also blind,
teamed up as Calvin and Clarence to record for the, tiny but mighty, Southern Fairlane
records. “I don’t know (school girl)” was released in 1962. The two met at Alabama
State University, after little success on Fairlane they cut four records for the Duke label.
My favorite record on this collection just may be “Please, Please, be mine.” Released on
Federal in 1961, this killer rhythm and blues side features members of the 5 Royales,
Lowman “El” Pauling and piano specialist Royal “Royalton” Abbit. Lowman played all
the crack guitar leads for the 5 Royales and the two team up on this side for one of the
greatest Federal records made.
Glades records, a subsidiary of the legendary Harry Stone and TK records based in
Miami, Florida brings us Davey Jones and this rare thumper “The Chase.” Released in
1961, Davey followed this one up with one more 45 with little success…Glades released
so few records over the years I was thrilled to see this one on the pile…
This volume of fine sides for you thrills us with one more released by Zynn record
producer J. D. “Jay” Miller from Louisiana. Jay cut his producing chops working out of
one of Cosimo Matassa’s studios in New Orleans and Jimmy is the guitarist on the demo
version of Slim Harpo’s, “King Bee,” which was recorded at his Grandmothers house.
How about that for a Sunday afternoon…
This rare side by Jimmy Dotson and the Blue Boys is a raw blues stomper. Frankly, I
can’t agree with Jimmy’s sentiment more, cause I been looking for my baby everyday
too!! Troubles!
Blues with a rhythm for sure, thank you for giving Volume 2 a spin! I know it will
inspire you to move! Again, we thank our esteemed producers for giving these amazing
voices an opportunity to shout.
James Ventrella
Chicago, Illinois