Excellent collection of big names and songs coming from some of the most representative fifties’ rhythm and blues performers, like Wynonie Harris, Smiley Lewis, Bull Moose Jackson, Joe Liggins, Cootie Williams, Cecil Gant or Earl Hooker among many others.

Twenty-nine songs round up this magnificent first volume entitled “Shotgun Boogie – Rhythm & Blues Goes Country”, not to be missed from the first opening song “Good Morning Judge” by ‘shouter’ Wynonie Harris to the closing album track “Shot Gun Boogie”, performed by the legendary piano player and singer Cecil Gant.

When we talk about the history of rhythm and blues and rock and roll, we always think of names like Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis or Carl Perkins. However, it is never considered that all these musicians got deep influences that came from many of the black performers you will find in this recording, like Piano Red, The Hurricanes or Cootie Williams, as well as so many other names who were the true architects who built up and developed this particular style.

Each of the tracks included in this impressive album that comes from the excellent catalog of Bear Family Records, all of them coming from Decca, can be considered a precious jewel. As it was just mentioned few lines above, you will find some iconic musicians as those already named, without forgetting artists like Tommy Edwards, The Griffin Brothers, Pearl Reaves, The Platters, The Orioles, Guitar Jr, Sonny Knight, Lucky Millinder & His Orchestra or even B.B. King among others, who make this album become a true vibrant sound encyclopedia.

An essential compilation recording, perfect for all those who want to dig deeply into rhythm & blues and rock & roll roots, but also into the fifties’ creativity and, for the young fans, this recording becomes a unique opportunity to discover and get to know those musicians who forged the history of popular music but, unfortunately, are now rather forgotten.