I’d never heard of New Orleans pianist James Booker before this here reissue of his last studio record from 1983. How did I miss out on this tragic guy who died not long after this release at the age of 44? Such a loss.
At least we have this last musical will and testament, and it’s a treasure worth finding. The songs, either self-penned, Crescent City classics or jazz standards, find him in solo, trio or quartet format with Red Tyler/ts (who made his name with Little Richard), James Singleton/b and Johnny Vidacovich/dr. On the quartet dates, he moans with Tyler’s tenor on “If You’re Lonely” and lurks around “Lonely Avenue.” His piano touch is crisp and hip as on “Classified” and his bright touch can get wonderfully dramatic during “Warsaw Concerto.” His voice is crisp and hip, rollicking on “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” and is humorously expressive on “King of the Road.” He hits the Hammond B3 with high stepping authority on “Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby” and sounds like Crescent City Mafioso on a take of “Theme From the Godfather” that is an absolute blast. He is thoughtful and multidimensional on “Madame X” and like all things Louisiana, he eventually ends up in church, closing with a thoughtful take of the spiritual “Amen.” This disc will make you regret, like I do, you missed this guy during his short stay on earth. Check him out.
Rounder Records