One of the most infectious RB singers and pianists post WWII was Rosco Gordon III (1928-2002) who played in the vein of Amos Milburn, Lloyd Price or early Ray Charles. This two cd, 52 song collection has some of his best jumping blues, pre-dating what eventually became known as “Soul” music in the 1960s.
He had a handful of popular juke box hits, such as the #1 “Booted” and top tens like “No More Doggin’”, “Just A Little Bit” and the hoot of “Saddled The Cow (And Missed The Horse)”. But even the B sides of his work with Chess, Sun and Dee Jay are infectious, with some fun doo wop on “You’ll Never Know (The Way I Feel)”, a festive feel on the calypso’d “Maria” and some rockin’ tonight on the Chuck Berry influenced “Bad Dream”. The saxes wail throughout, particularly on the bluesy “I’m in Love” and the piano is pounded on “City Women” and “T Model Boogie” Dry rubbed rhythms.