Essential CD for lovers of all 20th century music
jak ripley | manchester United Kingdom | 03/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wynonie "Mr Blues" Harris is perhaps the most overlooked charector in the whole history of rock n roll music. The suave, hard drinking, womanising blues shouter was at his peak in the late 40s and early 50s. Chock-full of double entendres and hard driving beats this collection of some of his most popular sides for the King lable, this collection is essential for anyone with a love of good music. The influence that Harris had on music cannot be overstated. The small R&B combos Harris worked with set the ball rolling for the rock and roll revolution which he was not deemed to be part of (too old, too wise, too risque, too whisky soaked for a majority white teenage audience). 50s Rock n Roll seems sanitised by comparison. It is often said that Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston with Ike Turners Kings Of Rhytmn was the first Rock n Roll disc....perhaps so, but without these foundation recordings, it could be argued that the record would not have been made. In Jamaica of the 40s & 50s, disks such as Bloodshot Eyes received heavy play on the soundsystems of Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, Tom the Great Sebastian etc. Wynonie Harris was a major influence on the fledgling Jamaican music scene, especially upon artists such as Laurel Aitken and Derrick Morgan. Whereas in the States, Rock n Roll supeseded this type of R&B, the influence upon Ska is there for all to see. Perhaps Reggae would not be the same without Mr Harris. Sad to say that Wynonie died of cancer in 1969 in relative obscurity and lack of wealth. These recordings are a celebration of him at his peak. Anyone who prides themselves upon their record collection should not do so without a copy of this! Great party music brimming over with licentiousness....ESSENTIAL!!!"
Primitive, Raw, Rock&Roll Essential
Paul Oliverio | Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States | 10/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You want good rockin' tonight? Every track on this Wynonie Harris album will provide it and stun you with its powerful rhythms, licentious lyrics, and voluminous vocals. Wynonie called himself "Mr. Blues" with great presumption but also with funky accuracy. I dare you to listen to listen to "My Baby's Pudding" without simultaneously dancing and laughing. Learn about the true meaning of the phrase "Rock&Roll" recorded at a time when Alan Freed was a mere blip on the radio airwaves. This is the music Elvis grew up with and so can you!"
