Born and bred in Louisiana, Ferd Eaglin, aka “Snooks” Eaglin was justifiably nicknamed “The Human Jukebox” for his ability to sound convincing in a wide range of musical styles. This two disc, 52 song collection brings together material from the first ten years of his recording career.
His voice is slightly reminiscent of Ray Charles, mixing blues, church and jump in both vocal and song selection. Thus, you get spirituals such as “Jesus Will Fix It For You” ,“This Train” or “I Must See Jesus” set for Sunday morning, while Saturday night is represented by “Who’s Been Fooling You” and “That’s Alright”.
Besides singles, there are samples from his albums from 1960-62. His Possum Up A Simmon Tree” is represented with “Jack I Ain’t Gonna Study War No More (Down By The Riverside)” and “The Model T And The Train” among others. 1961’s Message From New Orleans features the fun “Walklin’ Blues” and ominous “Who Can Your Good Man Be” and the lp That’s All Right” featuring fantastic takes of “Albertad “I’m A Country Boy”. His best known material, such as “Mean Old World”, “Mama Don’t You Tear My Clothes” and “Travellin’ Mood” are all included here. This is an excellent intro to an overlooked progenitor of R&B, with an emotion or mood fit for anyone whether from the church or local juke joint.