Search - Snooks Eaglin :: Complete Imperial Recordings

Fine collection of Snooks Eaglin's early-60s sides

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 10/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, look at the price for a used copy of this CD. I think I paid about ten for a new one...



Oh well ;-)

This 1995 collection brings together eclectic singer/guitarist Ford "Snooks" Eaglin's 1960-1963 Imperial recordings, New Orleans-style R&B with a bluesy flavour.

This is very solid stuff, some of it influenced by men like Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones and Ray Charles Robinson...Eaglin's style is sometimes compared to the latter, but it isn't extremely similar, with sparer arrangements and a distinct Creole vocal slur.

Here he tackles blues ("Mama Talk To Your Daughter", "C.C. Rider"), spirituals ("Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen"), pop ("Cover Girl", an utterly charming "You Call Everybody Sweetheart But Me"), and lots and lots of juicy rhythm & blues, from the upbeat "I've Been Walkin'" to the smooth swing of "Yours Truly".

Seven of these twenty-six songs are previously unreleased, and most of them are only available on this album. Why the hell is it out of print anyway?!"