Nice collection of an important transitional figure
Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 09/04/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Sometime in the early 1950's an important transition occurred from jump blues to rock and roll. This was such a fertile period in the history of American popular music and Oscar McLollie was right smack in the middle of all of it. The Los Angeles Sentinel predicted great things for one Oscar Mack Lollie back in 1950 when it described him as "one of the most promising young singers around today." In 1953, McLollie released "The Honey Jump" on the tiny Class label. It was not long before the record was sold to another new L.A. label, Modern, and this disc went on to become that labels first big hit. McLollie and his group, now dubbed the "Honey Jumpers" went on to record several more sides for Modern between 1953 and 1955. But for a number of reasons, McLollie never caught on nationally and his appeal was limited to Los Angeles and other pockets on the West Coast.
This CD, "Hey! Lollie Lollie" issued by Englands Ace Records in 2003, is a joy to listen to. Take a listen to "Roll Hot Rod Roll", "All That Oil in Texas" or "Wiggle Toe", Also included is a very informative 8 page booklet that includes a number of interesting photos including a shot of Annette Funicello, Dick Clark and Oscar McLollie. Go figure! I was disappointed that McLollies incredible ballad hit "Convicted" was not included on this disc."