Johnny Otis - Rock Me Baby

Collection of early 50s Mercury and Peacock sides

For decades now, the work of West Coast-based Johnny Otis and his promotion of black R&B talents has been under-appreciated, but this generous 29-track collection of rare sides from 1951-55 partly redresses the balance.

Otis’ work as a music maker/ manager/mentor straddles the swing, R&B and rock’n’roll eras. As such, this compilation begins with the powerfully orchestrated Oopy Do and a fine version of Count Basie’s One O’Clock Jump, before delving into a wide variety of styles and moods. Although best known for his radio shows, the late night club sounds really grab the ear here, with One Nighter Blues, Ben Webster’s smoky sax on Stardust, and Mel Walker’s good mid-range vocal on Sugar Sugar (no, not that one) standing out. Otis’ show bands always had a range of vocalists to offer variety from his own leads and, alongside several leads from Walker, we get Ada Wilson in 50s kitsch mode on Wishing Well, The Peacocks and Junior Ryder. Pride of place, however, must go to Johnny Ace and Big Mama Thornton’s duet on Yes Baby, which rounds off this excellent set.

Rev-Ola Bandstand | CR BAND 9

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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