Search - Fulson, Witherspoon, Mccraklin :: Swingtime Records Story

This exceptional two-CD set proves that Swingtime Records was not just a stopping point for many blues legends, but also an important label in the development of African American music. Through the purchasing of masters from smaller labels or recording artists under contract, owner Jack Lauderdale unwittingly created a gene pool for the next generation of the blues. With each track, you can hear the pieces falling into place and new styles being born. Lowell Fulson drags the wild child of rural blues to the city with "Every Day I Have the Blues." Jimmy Witherspoon defines Kansas City blues shouting on "Ain't Nobody's Business Pt. 1." And with "Kissa Me Baby," a young Ray Charles emerges from the long shadow of Charles Brown to create a new music called soul. The unsung heroes shine too. Just listen to the grooves pianist Lloyd Glenn, bassist Billy Hadnott, and sax man Earl Brown lay down on Lowell Fulson's "Blue Shadows." Pure R&B magic. --Ken Hohman