This volume is among the inaugural releases in Capitol/EMI's Crescent City Soul series, and is aimed at giving well-deserved props to soul, R&B, and funk pioneers from New Orleans, while reissuing long forgotten and likewise out of print singles from the burgeoning pop music genre. As the moniker suggests, Let the Good Times Roll: 20 of New Orleans' Finest R&B Classics 1949-1966 highlights the biggest hits of the era, a few of which make their CD debut here. Although arguably glossed over as a center of soul music when compared to Detroit (Motown), Memphis (Stax) or Chicago (Chess), there were more than a few sizable sides emanating from folks in bayou country. New Orleans also sported their fair share of labels such as Imperial, Minit, Aladdin, and A.F.O. (aka "All for One"). It was these decidedly hip records that would define the hey days of the Crescent City rhythm & blues scene. They were not only regionally successful, but consistently issuing chart-topping side after chart-topping side from the likes of the frantic Little Richard ("Long Tall Sally" to the swinging Barbara George ("I Know (You Don't Want Me No More)") to the sublime Aaron Neville ("Tell It Like It Is") and touching upon most bases in between. This collection, however, delves far beyond the hits, offering up lesser recognized, yet no less influential contributions from his most eminent Professor Longhair ("Mardi Gras in New Orleans"), Earl King ("Trick Bag"), and Ruth Durand, whose "I'm Wise" directly inspired (read: was ripped off by) Little Richard on his hit "Slippin' and Slidin." The significance of minor classics such as "Come On (Pts. 1&2)" -- another Earl King composition -- would reverberate into the psyche of rock & roll fans via Jimi Hendrix who picked it up from famed session guitarist Alvin Robinson....A superb collection for any fan of pure black music!
AMM
The Taster!
Tracks Below
19 comments:
Earl (pronounced "Oil" by us yats - yat as in people born and raised in NO who often greet each other with "Where ya at") King was a hell of a performer. Had some great cuts in the 50s-60s and then re-emerged with some really good albums on the Black Top label before he died. There's an album that was almost complete at the time of his death, that is frequently rumored to be on the verge of being issued, but its still not out. Great review, AMM. I have these cuts on several different lps, but look forward to hearing them all together on this compilation.
Thanks for this times roll AMM
Thanks for bringing us this superb collection. It is indeed a superb contribution towards our reviews and collection from the vaults of Music Is The Colors. Excellent drop AMM!!
thx for the info pmac intriguing!
If it's New Orleans, I'm in! Thanks, AMM!
Thanks AMM. Another superb New Orleans collection.
Thanks for another great review
Thank you for the review AMM
thank you for another all time NO classics comp
reminds me that old great reissues of Pathe Marconi!
Great Review Thank you AMM
Some classic songs here, many thanks amm for the review
You can't go wrong with New Orleans. Thanks for review, Peter
Great Review Thank you AMM
Thanks AMM excellent review
I missed this yesterday, thanks for the review
Nice looking compilation AMM
Many thanks Reb
There are some good acts with artist that are at least known to some of us. Thank you AMM for the music and information.
I know 95% of the players here but not all the tunes so this is a new find for me great review All Music Man
Cheers Pedro
Ler the good times roll my way please MM.
cheers,ELtel
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