Review

R&B SPOTLIGHT ‘59: VARIOUS ARTISTS

Now here we have a huge sixty track compilation of R&B hits from 1959.

Starting with Wilbert Harrison’s number one single 'Kansas City'; a multi instrumentalist and ex-member of the W C Baker group, which leads into 'Sea Cruise' from Frankie Ford, who, as a youngster worked with Sophie Tucker, among others. He also appeared in the 'American Hot Wax' movie.

There’s Chuck Berry with 'Little Queenie' and 'Almost Grown', mini hits from rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential artist. Sarah Vaughan then joins the A-listers here, like Nat “King” Cole, Bo Diddley and Clyde McPhatter. Also known as Little Miss Share Cropper and Bea Baker, Lavern Baker’s input is 'So High So Slow' and "Tiny Tim” recorded for Atlantic...this is great stuff.

By 1959 acts that had been previously confined to the black chart or R&B listing, were actually selling in sufficient quantities to hit the mainstream market. It was a long haul, of course, before they received the success they so deserved. But it happened. There were groups like The Cadillacs, formed during 1953 in Harlem, who were the first R&B unit to choreograph their stage acts. And, The Coasters, formed in 1955, and known for their serio-comic recordings. Plus loads more, like, for example, the first strains of a new dance craze 'The Twist' by Hank Hallard and the Midnighters (nah – it’ll never catch on!) and instrumentals from Paul Gayton, bandleader and vocalist. This cd is a history lesson for the young of heart, and a lovely trip down memory lane for those..um.. not so young.
Words SHARON DAVIS