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The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan: The Complete Savoy Recordings
Johnny Otis
The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan: The Complete Savoy Recordings
Genres: Blues, Jazz, Pop, R&B
 
  •  Track Listings (26) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (26) - Disc #2
  •  Track Listings (25) - Disc #3

Johnny Otis is best known for his 1956 rock & roll hit "Willie and the Hand Jive." But Otis--the son of Greek immigrants who chose to be personally and professionally identified as black--had enjoyed a successful caree...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Johnny Otis
Title: The Johnny Otis Rhythm & Blues Caravan: The Complete Savoy Recordings
Members Wishing: 5
Total Copies: 0
Label: Savoy Jazz
Original Release Date: 11/16/1999
Release Date: 11/16/1999
Genres: Blues, Jazz, Pop, R&B
Styles: Regional Blues, West Coast Blues, Jump Blues
Number of Discs: 3
SwapaCD Credits: 3
UPCs: 795041705921, 075679285928

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Johnny Otis is best known for his 1956 rock & roll hit "Willie and the Hand Jive." But Otis--the son of Greek immigrants who chose to be personally and professionally identified as black--had enjoyed a successful career as a West Coast jazz drummer and R&B bandleader dating back to the mid-'40s. In 1950 alone, he scored three No. 1 R&B hits. This three-disc set collects all his recordings for Savoy between 1949 and 1952, as well as a handful of earlier sides, beginning with his 1945 version of "Harlem Nocturne." The set traces the evolution of Otis's style from big-band jazz toward earthier blues and R&B. "Little" Esther Phillips was featured on Otis's biggest hit, "Double Crossing Blues." Other lead singers in the ongoing Caravan (and on this collection) included Mel Waters (who recalls Charles Brown with a lighter vocal tone), the doo-wop group the Robins, and Linda Hopkins. Guitarist Pete Lewis, saxophonist Big Jay McNeely, and Otis himself on vibraphone are crucial instrumental contributors. Despite Rhythm and Blues Caravan's zoot-suit trappings, there is a dreamy innocence and humor to this music that's largely missing from contemporary R&B. There's also an endearing strangeness that served as a formative influence on the young Frank Zappa, among others. --Rick Mitchell

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CD Reviews

This caravan is the real deal.
Brian Comnes | Chicago, IL | 11/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Over three hours of early R&B bliss. What can I say, if you like the style, this 3 CD set offers heaven! Over 3 hours and 77 songs of the hottest 40's 50's R&B scene. If you couldn't be at the Barrelhouse in Watts when it was happening , this set at least gives you a feel for what the music and players were like. I put this on and can listen all day/night long. It never grows tiring. Sexy solos, great riffs, hot rhythym, you name it, this set has it all.Thanks to Atlantic/Savoy Jazz for this gift to music lovers everywhere."
Great Stuff - But...
Brian Comnes | 04/23/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like jump/R&B/jazz style, this is great stuff. BUT...
Before you buy this set, check out Midnight at the Barrelhouse on JSP. It has every cut on this set (except for Hunter Hancock's Theme) + a lot more cuts + the JSP set costs less."