Search - Johnny Otis :: Presents Best of Rhythm & Blues

Pathetic Remakes

04/21/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"All of these songs are remakes made in the 70s. They are not the original recordings. Sadly, neither this web site's description nor the packaging of the set informs customers of this. The fact that these are remakes becomes clear only after you open the first CD in the set and read the liner notes. Since this web site won't allow returns of opened CDs, I want to warn others so they aren't ripped off too. The remakes aren't even faithful to the R&B genre: many of the arrangements are more 70s Soul than R&B."

Elect Amos Milburn to the R&R Hall of Fame !!

Joseph J. Pasko | Albany, NY United States | 03/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with Mr. Gilpin. These R&B greats (Rock & Roll pioneers/influences, all of them) still had it, when they recorded these tracks for Johnny O's Blues Spectrum label in the 70's. Special mention to the late great Amos Milburn...he had suffered a stroke prior to these recordings, and was left paralyzed on his left side. Thus he's only playing right-hand piano, with Johnny Otis covering the bass end of the keyboard. But you know what? Ol's Amos's voice was in great shape, his good right hand was as swingin' as ever, and he sounded like he was having a good time making records again. Damn, why has the musical world forgotten about Amos Milburn - he should be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as an "early influence" . The "Jukebox Genie" they called during his hit-making days! All these guys: Pee Wee Crayton, Big Joe, Louis Jordan, etc....they wrote the freakin' bible of rock & roll, before it even had that name!"

A great revival of the original artists

Don E. Gilpin | Cypress, CA USA | 09/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I note a one star rating for this set because these are not the original late 40's, early 50's recordings. In some ways these are just as viable. They are the original artists rescued and revived by the great J.O. 20 years after their heyday. With Suggie Otis and others in a great back up band, this stuff cooks.

The recordings are now over 30 years old and most of the artists are gone. At the price, this is an incredible set. Get the originals, but get these too. What they show is, notwithstanding their age, the artists still have a swinging message and deliver it in stereo with a band that, for the most part, was there with them in the beginning. I disagree with the one star rating. When you know it is the original artists still rocking their respective classics 20+ years after their original release of the track, you will appreciate where J.O. and all are coming from. Kick back and enjoy. All the tracks rock and are well done."