Released August 2024 on Jasmine Records Various Artists - 50th Anniversary - Walking to New Orleans - Jasmine Records (jasmine-records.co.uk)
Reviewed August 2024
John Broven’s iconic, critically-acclaimed tome “Walking To New Orleans”, subtitled “The Story Of New Orleans Rhythm & Blues”, was published in August 1974 as a spinoff of Blues Unlimited
It was, in Broven’s own words: “An original study of New Orleans R&B, chronicling the exciting rise and dramatic fall of the city’s R&B era, from the 1940s through the 1960s, focusing mainly on the artists’ history, on records. The story is enhanced by first-hand interviews with many of the leading exponents of the local music scene, including musicians, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys, jukebox operators, and studio and record-label owners.”
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, John has compiled a belated “aural accompaniment” to his fine book.
It’s not a typical “New Orleans’ Greatest Hits” set, as there are already plenty on the market, but largely a collection of less readily known recordings by the featured artists.
Review
Disc 1
1 Walking To New Orleans by Fats Domino – Not a rocker by any stretch of the imagination, but a wonderfully crafted pop song that is a favourite of mine. The logical opening track for this collection.
2 Good Rocking Tonight by Roy Brown – Recorded in 1947 for the DeLuxe label this is the original jump blues version of the song that most people know by Elvis Presley.
3 3 X 7 = 21 by Jewel King - Recorded in November 1949 at Cosimo Matassa's studio. The session was produced by local bandleader Dave Bartholomew for Imperial Records, and was one of Bartholomew's first productions. Musicians included Bartholomew, Herb Hardesty, Red Tyler, Ernest McLean, Frank Fields, and Earl Palmer. Written by Bartholomew and with a saxophone solo by Tyler, this became a hit, reaching number 4 on the Billboard R&B chart. Good up-tempo R&B.
4 Little Bee by Fats Domino – Recorded in 1950 for Imperial this has similarities to Fats’ first Hit “The Fat Man”
5 Great Big Eyes by Archibald – Like “Little Bee” this is a song about the female form with a solid rocking beat. Aribald’s real name is John Leon Gross and this was also recorded for Imperial records.
6 Mailman Blues by Lloyd Price – An early jump blues offering recorded for the Specialty label in 1952 from the man who went on to be known as “Mr Personality” after his massive 1959 hit.
7 You're The One by Spiders – A slow bluesey track from 1954. Nice vocal harmonies and some fine sax playing.
8 Swanee River Hop by Fats Domino – A great up-tempo boogie woogie instrumental version of a song that days back to the 19th century. Some of Fats’ best playing.
9 The Story Of My Life by Guitar Slim – The opening line “If my mother had not died” sets the theme for this excellent blues track with some nice guitar playing. This was issued on Specialty records in 1954.
10 Real Gone Lover by Smiley Lewis – A solid R&B rocker. I think this 1955 recording for Imperial is a true classic even though like all his Imperial recordings it failed to get any great commercial success.
11 Single Life by Billy Tate - Billy Tate was a rhythm & blues singer and guitarist, who first recorded for Herald in New Orleans in 1953. Sessions followed for Carver, Imperial and Peacock in the same city. This is from 1957 and was issued on Imperial.
12 Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby by Little Booker – James Booker made his recording debut in 1954 at the age of 14, on Imperial Records, with "Doin' the Hambone" and "Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby", produced by Dave Bartholomew. While these were unsuccessful commercially, Bartholomew subsequently had Booker ghost on piano for Fats Domino, to combine his virtuosity with Domino's popular singing. A good stroller.
13 Jam Up by Tommy Ridgley – Tommy started with Dave Bartholmew’s band in New Orleans but in 1953 he left the band and Imperial to join Atlantic records where he recorded this very danceable instrumental.
14 Wine, Women, Whiskey by Papa Lightfoot – Papa is the singer and harmonica player on this early example of electric blues released in 1954 on Imperial.
15 Mardi Gras Mambo by Hawketts – New Orleans is synonymous with Mardis Gras so in any compilation referencing the city there has to be at least one song about this famous pre-Easter festival. As the title the suggests the song has a mambo beat.
16 So Glad She's Mine by Charles 'Hungry' Williams – Charles is the drummer whose style is heard on so many recordings from New Orleans. A one time member of Huey Lewis’ band this was the B side of his first single on the Checker label "Mary Don't You Weep, Mary Don't You Moan," in 1955.
17 Who's Been Fooling You? by Big Boy Myles – A good rocker with that distinctive New Orleans sound. The Sax and guitar seem to have a mini battle going on at one point but don’t let that put you off.
18 Rich Woman by Li'l Millet And His Creoles – There’s a bit of a mambo beat here as well. This was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios in September 1955 and issued on Specialty later that year.
19 Try Rock And Roll by Bobby Mitchell – More of a stroller than an out and out rocker this hit the top 20 of the US Billboard R&B chart in 1956.
20 (Every Time I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone by Roy Montrell – There is nothing about this classic rocker from the Speciality label 1956.
21 Slippin' And Slidin' (Peepin' And Hidin') by Little Richard – I am bit surprised that there are twenty tracks before we get a track from the “Georgia Peach”, but it is worth waiting for. Little Richard at his best although not his wildest.
22 The Music Goes Round And Round by Paul Gayten – this novelty song from 1935 is given the New Orleans R&B treatment and was issued on the B side of one of Paul’s biggest hits “Be My Baby” on the Argo label (part of the Chess group.) in 1956.
23 Chicken Shack by Amos Milburn – Rockin’ R&B at its best. From 1956 his is a high octane version of “Chicken Shack Boogie” as recorded by Amos back in 1948.
24 Saturday Night by Roy Brown – Up-tempo R&B at its best. It may not have been a hit at the time but it’s still played today on the rocking scene.
25 Shame, Shame, Shame by Smiley Lewis – This was used in the soundtrack of the film Baby Doll in 1956, accompanying a dramatic chase through a collapsing attic. The song failed to enter the R&B chart. It is a good rocker that deserved more commercial success at the time.
26 Little Liza Jane by Huey 'Piano' Smith & Clowns – The song itself dates back to the start of the19th century and has been performed in many musical styles. This version from Huey and the boys is typical of the rock and roll from New Orleans in 1956.
27 She's Gotta Wobble (When She Walks) by Sugar Boy Crawford – Another less than “politically correct” song about the female of the species. Novelty from 1956.
28 The Monkey by Dave Bartholomew – Without doubt the music we know and love now from New Orleans is largely down to the work of Dave who was successful in every role of the recording process from writing through to performing. This is a novelty record from the Imperial label in 1957.
29 Look What You're Doin' To Me (Oooh-Wee, Baby) by Professor Longhair – Another native of Louisiana Henry “Roy” Byrd achieved much under the moniker “Professor Longhair”. His piano style has been described as "instantly recognizable, combining rumba, mambo, and calypso" as can be heard on this track from 1957.
30 Well-O, Well-O, Well-O Baby by Earl King – This was a modest hit on the Ace label in 1957. A good rhythm for the strollers!
31 Oh-Oh by Eddie Bo – Eddie’s piano playing style owes a lot to that of Professor Longhair. This lively number was the B side of “My Dearest Darling” on Chess records in 1958.
32 Cha Dooky-Doo by Art Neville – There is a definite New Orleans style to this slightly quirky recording from 1958 on the Speciality label.
Disc 2
1 Lights Out by Jerry Byrne – One minute fifty seconds of high octane rock and roll. Sadly it was only a local hit for Jerry but this Specialty 45 has been a long time favourite with crowds at rock ‘n’ roll gigs in the UK and beyond.
2 Everybody's Carried Away by Earl King – Good danceable New Orleans rock and roll with that distinctive sound enhanced by some guitar picking from Mr King.
3 Easy Rockin' by Eddie Lang – Another excellent rocker. This was recorded in 1959 for one of the lesser known labels out New Orleans, Ron. Original 45s of this track could cost more than £100. If you like good honking rocking sax with your rock and roll, it’s worth the money!
4 Storm Warning by Mac Rebennack – Mac, or Dr John as he is also known, recorded this Bo Diddley-influenced instrumental called "Storm Warning" on Rex Records in 1959.
5 Sea Cruise by Huey And Jerry – This is Huey “Piano” Smith with Gerri Hall, a singer in the Clowns who performed with Huey. This is the original version of the song before the vocals were replaced by Frankie Ford’s. Frankie’s version became a massive hit, this original version remained unreleased until the 70s.
6 Rockin' Behind The Iron Curtain by Bobby Marchan & Clowns – Bobby sang on a number of the Huey Smith and The Clowns recordings. This track was issued on Ace in 1959 and has all the hallmarks of a Clowns recording.
7 All Nite Long Pt. 1 by Robert Parker – Some great sax playing by Robert on this R&B instrumental recorded for the Ron Label in 1959.
8 Cotton Candy by Lenny Capello & Dots – This rather obscure piece of New Orleans R&B was issued on the Ric label in 1958. A good mid paced rocker.
9 Creole Alley by Lee Allen – Lee’s distinctive sax playing takes the lead on this slow, bluesey number. It was issued on the Ember label but failed to get the success of his best known track for that label “Walking With Mr Lee”. Boy, can he blow that horn!
10 Gee Baby by Joe & Ann - As we get to the end of the 50s the style gets a little more poppier as evidenced by this slow rocker on Ace which made number 14 on Billboard’s R&B chart
11 Carnival Time by Al Johnson – Since it’s release in 1960 this track as been closely linked with the Mardi Gras festival to the extent that Al is often referred to as Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. A good rocker.
12 Ooh Poo Pah Doo Pt. 2 by Jessie Hill – This instrumental was released as the B side to Ooh Poo Pah Doo Pt. 1 that reached number 3 on the Billboard R&B chart and 28 on the Hot 100 in 1960 has a nice soulful feel to it.
13 Before I Grow Too Old by Fats Domino – Fats in a slightly melancholy and reflective mood with this slow, but enjoyable track.
14 I Just Want You by Bobby Charles – This is the man who gave the world “See You Later, Alligator. For this track falls into the “slow stroller” category. It was the B side of “What A Party”, released in 1960 on Imperial.
15 What's Going On by Frankie Ford – The B side of “Chinatown” one of Frankie’s last releases on the New Orleans Ace label in 1960 just before he moved to Imperial. A nice mid paced rocker.
16 I Love You Still by Joe Jones – This was the B side of “You Talk Too Much” which hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. The most successful release for the Ric label. This song is straightforward ballad.
17 Over You by Aaron Neville – The track starts with a bit of the “Wedding March”. More soul that rock and roll. Although not a hit it was given airplay outside of New Orleans when issued on Minit records in 1960 thus marking the start of a long and successful career for Aaron.
18 The Blue Eagle Pt. 1 by Jimmy Rivers Combo – An R&B stroller instrumental with some nice sax playing.
19 Little Suzy by Clarence 'Frogman' Henry – A bit of a novelty track as was not uncommon for Clarence. Nonetheless it is a good rocker with that distinctive sound of New Orleans.
20 Should I Ever Love Again by Tommy Ridgley – A humorous ballad with the backing singers supplying the answers to Tommy’s questions. Coupled with “Double-Eyed Whammy” it was a strong seller in spring 1961 Joe Ruffino's Ric records.
21 Real Man by Ernie K-Doe – Issued in 1961 as the other side to "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" which reached number 21 in the R&B Top 40 on the Minit label. Another R&B track with a soulful touch.
22 Somebody Told It by Huey 'Piano' Smith & Clowns – This is basically “Don’t You Just Know It” by another name which was such a big hit for the band in 1958. Recorded in 1961 but not released at the time.
23 Travelin' Mood by Ford Eaglin – AKA Snooks Eaglin or “The Human Jukebox”, Ford was a session man for the Imperial label in the early 60s. Here he takes front of stage singing and playing guitar on this mid-paced R&B track.
24 She Put The Hurt On Me by Prince La La – The prince’s real name was Lawrence Nelson. This was the first release on the AFO label, coupled with "Don’t You Know Little Girl (I'm In Love)". Musicians on the record include saxophonist Red Tyler and drummer John Boudreaux. Issued in mid-1962, the record was credited to Prince La La – "La La" being Nelson's nickname – and rose to number 28 on the Billboard R&B chart.
25 Packin' Up by Chris Kenner – Although Chris Kenner’s life was not without complications his musical heritage as a stalwart of the music scene especially in New Orleans is very impressive indeed. This was released in 1961 on the Instant Label. An example of early soul.
26 New Orleans Twist by Blazer Boy – the Twist dance craze in the early ‘60s had everybody jumping on its bandwagon. This is typical of the genre and was issued on Imperail in 1962.
27 Check Mr. Popeye by Eddie Bo – Recorded for Ric records in 1961 this novelty dance song was later issued nationally by Swan Records, this became one of Eddie’s best-known recordings though not a national hit.
28 I Did My Part by Irma Thomas – A seldom heard track from The Soul Queen of New Orleans which was released on Minit in 1962. Good early soul.
29 Always A First Time by Earl King – The B side of “Trick Bag” on Imperial in 1962 another example of R&B meets soul.
30 The Joke by Reggie Hall – A novelty soul track from 1962.
31 Behind The Eight Ball by Lee Dorsey – Released in 1962 on the Fury label in New Orleans this R&B dance track failed to gain the success of “Ya Ya” which had been a million seller the previous year.
32 Don't Stop Now by Shirley & Lee – There’s a touch of Mardi Gras to this up-tempo track from "the Sweethearts of the Blues". Issued in 1962 on Imperial but failed to gain any commercial success.
33 So Long by Fats Domino – An obvious song from the right man to bring this collection to a close. Classic Fats and a great example of what the Crescent City gave music.
Summary
This is a fantastic collection of music with the main common strain being the city of New Orleans that has samples of the numerous variations of the styles stemming from the catch all description of Rhythm and Blues. The book that goes with it is now hard to get, but I still have my copy and urge anybody with an interest in this music to seek out a copy. It’s an interesting and educational read. Of you course, you need the book, just enjoy the music with a large bowl of gumbo and a cold Dixie beer to wash it down.
Recommendation
This is another top value offering from Jasmine thanks to Roger Dopson and John Broven. Sixty five tracks for less than twelve quid – you’d be crazy not to buy it.
Reviewed by Jailhouse John Alexander
Track List Disc 1
1 Walking To New Orleans by Fats Domino
2 Good Rocking Tonight by Roy Brown
3 3 X 7 = 21 by Jewel King
4 Little Bee by Fats Domino
5 Great Big Eyes by Archibald
6 Mailman Blues by Lloyd Price
7 You're The One by Spiders
8 Swanee River Hop by Fats Domino
9 The Story Of My Life by Guitar Slim
10 Real Gone Lover by Smiley Lewis
11 Single Life by Billy Tate
12 Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby by Little Booker
13 Jam Up by Tommy Ridgley
14 Wine, Women, Whiskey by Papa Lightfoot
15 Mardi Gras Mambo by Hawketts
16 So Glad She's Mine by Charles 'Hungry' Williams
17 Who's Been Fooling You? by Big Boy Myles
18 Rich Woman by Li'l Millet And His Creoles
19 Try Rock And Roll by Bobby Mitchell
20 (Every Time I Hear) That Mellow Saxophone by Roy Montrell
21 Slippin' And Slidin' (Peepin' And Hidin') by Little Richard
22 The Music Goes Round And Round by Paul Gayten
23 Chicken Shack by Amos Milburn
24 Saturday Night by Roy Brown
25 Shame, Shame, Shame by Smiley Lewis
26 Little Liza Jane by Huey 'Piano' Smith & Clowns
27 She's Gotta Wobble (When She Walks) by Sugar Boy Crawford
28 The Monkey by Dave Bartholomew
29 Look What You're Doin' To Me (Oooh-Wee, Baby) by Professor Longhair
30 Well-O, Well-O, Well-O Baby by Earl King
31 Oh-Oh by Eddie Bo
32 Cha Dooky-Doo by Art Neville
Track Listing Disc 2
1 Lights Out by Jerry Byrne
2 Everybody's Carried Away by Earl King
3 Easy Rockin' by Eddie Lang
4 Storm Warning by Mac Rebennack
5 Sea Cruise by Huey And Jerry
6 Rockin' Behind The Iron Curtain by Bobby Marchan & Clowns
7 All Nite Long Pt. 1 by Robert Parker
8 Cotton Candy by Lenny Capello & Dots
9 Creole Alley by Lee Allen
10 Gee Baby by Joe & Ann
11 Carnival Time by Al Johnson
12 Ooh Poo Pah Doo Pt. 2 by Jessie Hill
13 Before I Grow Too Old by Fats Domino
14 I Just Want You by Bobby Charles
15 What's Going On by Frankie Ford
16 I Love You Still by Joe Jones
17 Over You by Aaron Neville
18 The Blue Eagle Pt. 1 by Jimmy Rivers Combo
19 Little Suzy by Clarence 'Frogman' Henry
20 Should I Ever Love Again by Tommy Ridgley
21 Real Man by Ernie K-Doe
22 Somebody Told It by Huey 'Piano' Smith & Clowns
23 Travelin' Mood by Ford Eaglin
24 She Put The Hurt On Me by Prince La La
25 Packin' Up by Chris Kenner
26 New Orleans Twist by Blazer Boy
27 Check Mr. Popeye by Eddie Bo
28 I Did My Part by Irma Thomas
29 Always A First Time by Earl King
30 The Joke by Reggie Hall
31 Behind The Eight Ball by Lee Dorsey
32 Don't Stop Now by Shirley & Lee
33 So Long by Fats Domino
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