The German SPV label continued its exploration of obscure American Soul and R&B labels with this installment, which focuses on proto-R&B and jump blues from the late 1940s and early '50s. The most famous name of the bunch is certainly Wynonie Harris; tracks such as "Dig This Boogie" and "My Baby's Barrel House" certify Harris as one of rock-&-roll's finest early purveyors. While sides from more obscure artists such as Bobby Platter ("Beer Bottle Boogie"), Tucker Coles ("Don't Get Excited"), Sherman Williams ("My Flamin' Gal") offer equal evidence that rock & roll's roots are as much in this raw offshoot of big-band swing as they are in country, gospel, and blues.
