The Okeh Rhythm & Blues Story 1949-1957
Arranged in chronological order, this set begins with a strong emphasis on jump blues in the style of Louis Jordan and Big Joe Turner. Gradually, though, OKeh turned to more modern sounds. It jumped on the New Orleans R&B; scene early with vital recordings by Paul Gayten and Lee Allen. The Treniers were an irreverent harmony/comedy group in the style of the Coasters, and Chuck Willis abandoned the swing rhythms of jump blues for the pounding 4/4 of rock & roll. OKeh's greatest moment came on September 12, 1956, when a case of Italian Swiss Colony wine helped Screamin' Jay Hawkins and New York's best session musicians (Mickey Baker, Sam Taylor, etc.) cut crazed, electrifying versions of "I Put a Spell on You" and "Little Demon." --Geoffrey Himes