Singer/Guitarist Brownie McGhee and his lifelong musical partner, blind harp-man Sonny Terry, are best known as champions of the Piedmont style blues pioneered by artists such as Blind Blake, Blind Willie McTell and Blind Boy Fuller. In the 1960s, they became icons of the folk-blues revival. However, the recordings presented here showcase a different chapter of the story. This is a collection of raw and rocking jump blues cut between 1947 and 1955 for juke boxes in black beer joints and dancehalls by the New Jersey based Savoy Record label.  WARNING...incendiary and raw guitar from Mickey Baker is featured throughout this set. These are essential blues recordings from one of the genres' most revered artists. (27 tracks/single disc)            

This collection of 50's sides features William Thomas Dupree, better known as Champion Jack, in his prime and at the peak of his commercial success.  Supported by such players as Mickey Baker, George “Harmonica” Smith, Larry Dale and Papa Lightfoot, these sides are the best examples of his talent.  Drawing from the King, Harlem, Jax, Groove and Vik labels, this could be the best collection on the market. (28 tracks/single disc) 

Bartholomew was one of the key architects of rock & roll. He was recently featured on the PBS documentary Fats Domino & the Birth of Rock & Roll.  These thirty re-mastered tracks are the most comprehensive collection from this great artist available anywhere. From the raucous version of Shout Sister Shout featuring Pee Wee Crayton to the socially conscious recording of The Monkey, this set touches many of the best recordings. The package includes a sixteen page booklet with rare photos, vintage memorabilia and detailed liner notes. This is simply great music done right. (30 tracks/single disc) 

Finally there is a comprehensive release of this talented songwriter, singer and guitarist’s best work. Taken from Imperial, Ace and Specialty labels, this set covers the classic 50's rockers to the early 60's gems recorded for Imperial.  Most of these sides have been unavailable on CD for a few years. (40 tracks/2 discs) 

This special two CD collector's edition contains forty two re-mastered studio tracks, including all of the fabulous early singles. Both A and B sides Freddy King made for Federal Records between 1960 and 1962 are included here.  The set also includes King's rare 1956 sides for the very small El-Bee label. This is the material upon which Freddy King's legend was built. It marks one of the most important building blocks of electric blues. This collection is an essential entry in any blues library. (42 tracks/2 discs)

These are the best electric sides Hopkins ever recorded...bar none. These are just about the rockingest sessions ever waxed by the great blues man. The tracks were cut in Houston in 1954 and were among the last recordings he made for the R&B jukebox market before embracing the college-based folk circuit. The American Herald label put twelve of the tracks together on an LP in 1960, Lightnin' and the Blues. Those sides are all here along with every other title he recorded for the Herald label. The music features a hard-driving backbeat and an almost rockabilly feel on the faster tempo numbers with Hopkins on guitar and vocals along with Donald Crooks on bass and Ben Turner on drums in addition to vocal backing by Ruth Ames. This is the most complete collection of the Herald sides ever put together. (30 tracks/single disc) 

One of the most important artists in post war California blues, Lloyd Glenn has been difficult to find on CD.  This twenty eight tracker features his early hits as Lloyd Glenn & His Joymasters. Then it moves to some sides he cut with Lowell Fulson before settling in with songs from the Lloyd Glenn Combo. Featuring Gene Phillips, Bill Hadnott and Bob Harvey on drums, it doesn’t get any better than this. (28 tracks/single disc) 

One of my desert island discs, this digi-pak deluxe edition contains more than an hour of west side Chicago blues at its finest, re-mastered from the original analog tapes. This brand new re-issue also includes six alternate takes and two unissued recordings. The sixteen page booklet contains never before seen photos at the recording session along with additional color photos from the Ann Arbor Music Festival. This package also includes the original liner notes from the LP and new notes by producer Bob Koester. D.M.  (17 tracks/single disc)

Two 60's classics from the Testament label recorded when giants walked the earth. Supporting musicians on various tracks including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, James Cotton, Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, Big Walter Horton, Johnny Shines and the great drummers S.P. Leary, Fred Below, Francis Clay and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. This, of course, along with the great singing and piano playing of Spann a true master... The package includes the original sleeve notes written by Dick Shurman and Peter Welding. Do I have to say more? (31 tracks/2 discs)

This collection is the most complete cross label collection of Percy's recordings ever released.  From his earliest recordings for Gruve-V-Tone through the classic Maxwell Davis produced gems for Specialty and Supreme to the seldom heard sides released on the Imperial, Checker, Cash and 7 Arts labels his genius and soul shine through. If there are any among you who wonder why we call Percy Mayfield the Poet Laureate of the blues these sides will hopefully go a long way toward answering that question. (56 tracks/2 discs) 

Avid Jazz continues with its “Three Classic Album Plus” series with a re-mastered two CD release by Tiny Grimes. This package comes complete with original artwork and liner notes. Blues Groove with Coleman Hawkins, Callin’ the Blues, Big Time Guitar plus five of six tracks from Tiny In Swingville with Jerome Richardson. Lloyd “Tiny” Grimes was an unsung hero in the annals of jazz. However, he was a fine jazz and r&b guitarist possibly best remembered for playing a four string electric guitar. Tiny Grimes was a well respected guitar player both as leader and sideman and this is reflected in the caliber of musicians he played with as a sideman. Some of these include jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, Billie Holiday, Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, Roy Eldridge, Earl Hines and others. (25 tracks on two discs)

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