VA- Excello Blues Rarities - Blues Hangover [2 CD, 1995]

 

This two disc, 43 track collection collects up a treasure trove of rare and unissued performances from the vaults of Excello Records. All but one of the 17 tracks collected on the first disc were produced by Jay Miller in his Crowley, Louisiana studio, home of Excello's unmistakable 'swamp blues' sound. The first 10 tracks are by Jimmy Anderson, who impersonates the vocal and harmonica style of Jimmy Reed so pervasively, it's downright eerie. Three tracks from Whispering Smith, a stray Lightnin' Slim cut and both sides of the mysterious Blue Charlie single are aboard, as well as rare singles from the equally mysterious Ole Sonny Boy, Little Al (Gunter) and Little Sonny. But the true find here are the first time release of 15 tracks from a 1966 audition tape by one Early Drane. For all intents and purposes, this appears to be the same 'Earl Draines' that recorded for the label as part of The Blues Rockers ("Calling All Cows") in the mid 50s. But these remarkable tapes are the man alone in his living room, singing and playing a quirky collection of original material, blues and gospel covers that careen from brilliant to downright loony. Add to this lineup four tracks by Detroit bluesman Baby Boy Warren (featuring Sonny Boy Williamson on harmonica) and two early 60s stereo swingers by the little known James Stewart and you've got an Excello rarities packages that's pretty hard to beat.

Disc: 1

1. I'm A King Bee - Jimmy Anderson
2. Going Through The Park - Jimmy Anderson
3. Naggin' - Jimmy Anderson
4. Nothing In This World - Jimmy Anderson
5. Franki & Johnny - Jimmy Anderson
6. Love Me Baby - Jimmy Anderson
7. Goin' Crazy Over TV - Jimmy Anderson
8. Ain't Gonna Let Her Go - Jimmy Anderson
9. Rats & Roaches On Your Mind - Jimmy Anderson
10. Going Through The Park (Alternate Take) - Jimmy Anderson
11. Don't Bring No Friend (Breakdown Take) - Blue Charlie
12. I'm Gonna Kill That Hen - Blue Charlie
13. Harmonica Twist - Whispering Smith
14. Please Give Me One More Chance - Whispering Smith
15. Wake Up Old Maid - Whispering Smith
16. Death Valley Blues - Lightin Slim
17. Love Shock - Little Sonny
18. I'll Love You Baby - Little Sonny
19. No Jive - Little Al
20. Little Lean Woman - Little Al
21. You Better Change - Ole Sonny Boy
22. Blues And Misery - Ole Sonny Boy

Disc: 2

1. I'm Leaving This Morning - Early Drane
2. I Hate To See You Leave - Early Drane
3. My New Chevrolet - Early Drane
4. Evil Ways Blues - Early Drane
5. Find My Little Darling - Early Drane
6. Look On Yanders Wall - Early Drane
7. Nobody Prayin' - Early Drane
8. Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) - Early Drane
9. My Little Banty - Early Drane
10. Take A Walk With Me - Early Drane
11. Hillbilly Serenade - Early Drane
12. I'm Gonna Scratch Your Back Pt. 1 - Early Drane
13. Honey Bee Lonely - Early Drane
14. I'm Gonna Scratch Your Back Pt. 2 - Early Drane
15. Late In The Evening - Early Drane
16. Not Welcome Anymore - Baby Boy
17. Bring My Machine Gun - Baby Boy
18. Chuck-A-Luck - Baby Boy
19. Hello Stranger - Baby Boy
20. When I Met Your Baby - James Stewart
21. She's Got Me - James Stewart