James Booker

• COLLECTOR`S DIGIPACK SERIES

PIANO PRINCE OF NEW ORLEANS

Known as the “Piano Prince of New Orleans,” the great James Booker was one of the cornerstones and most colorful characters in the Crescent City. He was a distinctive keyboardist who mixed R&B, gospel, blues, boogie-woogie, and traditional & modern jazz into a uniquely funky and breathtaking sound.

This collector’s CD release includes all of the singles Booker made as a leader in the beginning of his career, between 1954 and 1962, for different labels such as Imperial, Chess, Ace, and Peacock. The set also contains additional sides from other terrific artists featuring James Booker as a sideman. These wonderful numbers form the building blocks of Booker’s legendary musical legacy.

PERSONNEL:

• James Booker,
• piano, organ, and occasional vocals, plus:

• Lee Allen (tenor sax), Robert Parker (alto sax), Alvin “Red” Tyler (baritone sax), Frank Fields (bass), Earl Palmer, Charles “Hungry” Williams (drums), among others.

Recorded in New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago, between 1954 and 1962.

TRACKS:

• 01. DOING THE HAM BONE
• 02. THINKIN’ ABOUT MY BABY
• 03. YOU’RE NEAR ME
• 04. HEAVENLY ANGEL
• 05. TEEN AGE ROCK
• 06. GONZO
• 07. COOL TURKEY
• 08. SMACKSIE
• 09. KINDA HAPPY
• 10. TUBBY [part 1]
• 11. TUBBY [part 2]
• 12. CROSS MY HEART
• 13. BIG NICK

• Recordings as a sideman:
• 14. OPEN THE DOOR – Joe Tex
• 15. DEAR ANGEL – Amos Milburn
• 16. IF I COULD BE WITH YOU – Amos Milburn
• 17. YOU’RE ON MY MIND – Little Junior Parker
• 18. THE NEXT TIME – Little Junior Parker
• 19. YEAH YEAH – Dave Bartholomew
• 20. I’M OLD ENOUGH – Shirley & Lee
• 21. TOGETHER WE STAND – Shirley & Lee
• 22. THE DUCK – Earl Forest
• 23. THE CROWN – Earl Forest
• 24. ALWAYS A FIRST TIME – Earl King
• 25. LOVE ME NOW – Earl King

• TOTAL TIME: 57:20 min.