Last month in the blues column the series of twelve reissues from the King-Federal catalogs was noted. Reviews appeared of the Freddie King and Ray Charles album. This· column will attempt to provide basic information on the rest of the issues.
Little Willie John (King -5004X) collects 15 of the late gospel-tinged singer's greatest recordings. Theresi some duplication with Free At Last (King KS-1081) but most stuff here is otherwise previously unreissued. Originals of "Fever" (before Peggy Lee) and "Sleep" are special highpoints.
Bill Doggett (5009X) and Earl Bostic (5010X) collect a number of fine instrumentals by the organist and saxophonist. This was jazz-flavored instrumental R&B at its best. Doggett's fourteen sides include the classic "Honky Tonk" whereas tunes on Bostic's sides includes "Flamingo" and "Harlem Nocturne".
A good portion of the King catalog was old group sounds. While historically important the sides by the Ink Spots (5001X) and the Platters (5002X) are too sweet for my taste. Rock'n'Roll Oldies freaks will feel otherwise. Much more solid is the rocking album by Hank Ballard and the Midnighters (5003X). Among the 20 tracks are "Work With Me Annie," "Annie Had a Baby," "Annie's Aunt Fanny," "Finger Poppin' Time," and the original recording of "The Twist". Great party music with hot band and vocals. Good bluesy feel on much material.
Finally four albums tracing the career of the group The Dominoes. Volume One (5005X) includes their 14 big hits including the bawdy "Sixty Minute Man". Volume 2 features Clyde McPhatter (5006X) in 18 tunes including two duets with Little Esther (Phillips). Volume 3 features Jackie Wilson on 14 tunes (5007X) and Volume 4 collects 21 other tunes by the group (5008X). The Dominoes was a gospel influenced group capable of doing intense ballad interpretations and some nice bluesy 'numbers. Both McPhatter's and WiIson's albums are superb featuring some strong vocal performances. and like Vol 1 are worth checking into. These are historically important reissues which are also great for parties where you can pop your fingers and twist the night away. Here's hoping for more to come in this series.
I do not remember if I received these from the publication, a publisher or the record company. This review appeared in the March 1978 Buffalo Jazz Report (now Jazz & Blues Report) (Issue 49). Here is Little Willie John singing "Fever."
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