Messing With The Blues / Various Messing With The Blues / Various CD

Ace's previous forays into the back catalogue of Atlantic Records have given US some sparkling compilations of rhythm & blues and soul. The label may not be so readily associated with hard-core blues but it recorded plenty of choice items, as this selection from the first decade or so of the company's existence demonstrates. Here are plenty of blues heavy hitters - Big Joe Turner, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker and more - mixed with others who are much less well known. The star of the CD is Little Johnny Jones, a hugely talented pianist in the style of Big Maceo Merriweather who died much too young.

1. Hoy Hoy [Alternate Take] - Johnny Jones 2. Up the Line (Doin' the Best I Can) - Johnny Jones 3. Chicago Blues - Johnny Jones 4. Wait Baby - Johnny Jones 5. Hoy Hoy - Johnny Jones 6. TV Mama - Joe Turner ; His Blues Kings 7. T-Bone Shuffle - T-Bone Walker 8. Play on Little Girl - T-Bone Walker 9. Bad Blood - Champion Jack Dupree 10. Junker's Blues - Champion Jack Dupree 11. Bit of Soul - Ray Charles 12. Losing Hand - Ray Charles 13. Sinner's Prayer - Ray Charles 14. After Hour Session 15. Climbin' Up to Heaven Blues, Pt. 1 16. Cold Love 17. Messin' Up - Chuck Norris 18. Let Me Know - Chuck Norris 19. Guitar Lovin' Man (Lovin' Guitar Man) - John Lee Hooker 20. Real Real Gone - John Lee Hooker 21. She's a W-O-M-A-N 22. Blue Harlem - Tiny Grimes 23. Draggin' Hours - Jesse Stone Orchestra 24. Break of Day Blues 25. Drinkin' Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee - Larry Dale