For once in our history we are stacking them high and selling them cheap with 4 CDs to give you the flavour of Ace over the past 35 years. Each CD takes on two related genres and rather than deliver all the hits, are here to entertain, amuse and at time surprise with the odd rarity. As the man said when asked what kind of music he liked 'good music' and there is plenty of that with these 80 cuts across 4 CDs.
The blues / R&B set opens with the three of the kings of the Blues; Elmore, the Wolf and John Lee, though the current indisputable King of the blues B.B. makes a wonderfully low-key appearance later. By the way, the version of House Rent Boogie here has never been released on CD before. We go down home for a couple of cuts from Drifting Slim and Joe Hill Louis, before heading back up town, going way out west with some cool LA sounds from John Watson and Pee Wee Crayton just two of the great guitarists to be found here. Check the lyric on Big Duke's Hey Dr Kinsey. Never has an academic report on sexual proclivities been put to music with such deep-felt passion. Young Jessie continues the discussion on Don't Happen No More while Lil Greenwood and Helen Humes are one either side of him with clear opinions on the matter also. Of all people Ike Turner cools things out with a fine rockin' instrumental. The set closes with a beautiful soulful performance from Little Johnny Taylor that we have never issued before.
It Contains:
Hand in Hand - Elmore James
Dog Me Around aka How Many More Years - Howling Wolf
House Rent Boogie - John Lee Hooker
You're an Old Lady - Drifting Slim
Boogie in the Park - Joe Hill Louis
Too Tired - Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Mean Old Frisco - B.B. King
Poppa Stoppa - Pee Wee Crayton
Root Beer Sizzle Sazzle Sizzle - Three Bits of Rhythm
Going Mad - Saunders King
Hey Dr. Kinsey - Big Duke Henderson & His Orchestra
Central Rocks - The Great Gates
Love Me Tonight - Little Willie Littlefield
Booted - Roscoe Gordon
Boogie All Night Long - Lil Greenwood
Don't Happen No More - Young Jessie
Real Fine Daddy - Helen Humes
Twistin' the Strings - Ike Turner
The Mess Around - Jennell Hawkins with Richard Berry & The Lockettes
Stop Fooling Around - Little Johnny Taylor
