Two of black music’s most flamboyant personalities get neatly-packaged 20-trackers from the young but growing Blue label. Singer/saxman Jordan barnstormed and google-eyed his way to over 50 hits in the late 40s and early 50s, thanks to his inventive, amusing songwriting, infectious delivery, and his Tympany Five, who played rock’n’roll before it was called that. Songs such as Open The Door Richard, Saturday Night Fish Fry, Choo Choo Ch’boogie and Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens border on novelty, but their drive, sparkling musicianship and verve still make for great listening over 50 years on. Be warned: buy this one and you’ll want more.
Preening, posturing, poofy, exuding charisma and dynamism, singer/pianist Little Richard was one of rock’n’roll’s greatest stars. His recording road started in the early 50s and, on the evidence of RCA and Peacock sides such as Get Rich Quick and Every Hour, he was then merely one of many capable hopefuls. But when Specialty signed him and issued raucous, raunchy rockers such as Tutti Frutti and Long Tall Sally, the magic hit the records and the records hit the charts. By 1958 he was singing the theme to The Girl Can’t Help It, and the rest is rock’n’roll history.
