CD - Amos Milburn: Thinking and Drinking

OK, you've got to love the blues piano, and especially the boogie woogie piano, but if you do then Amos Milburn was the main man. In the 1940s and early to mid 50s he produced some of the most infectious blues you're ever likely to hear, and in many ways he bridged the divide between blues, R&B and very early rock and roll.

Not unlike T-Bone Walker, Milburn's catalogue has been well represented on any number of compilations, many of which, again like T-Bone's, have often found themselves very quickly out of print. There are a couple of other anthologies around - most notably the Proper 2CD retrospective "The Chicken Shack Boogie Man" - but this is a better choice! For a start, it offers a broader recording period, beginning with the 1946 recording 'After Midnite' and finishing with the September 1956 release 'Everyday Of The Week'. Like the other Blue Orchid releases Shades of Blue has reviewed, it's also extremely well remastered. The ten year recording period is represented by 55 tracks, including his R&B number one hits 'Chicken Shack Boogie', 'Roomin' House Boogie' and 'Bad Bad Whiskey'. You'll also hear the other, undervalued Milburn as well, the very fine vocalist and blues balladeer (great version of 'Glory Of Love' included).

Milburn should be properly revered as one of the great R&B pioneers, and although he never completely bridged the gap between R&B and rock and roll, he certainly paved the way for those that did - Fats Domino was clearly influenced by him. This CD is probably the best way to hear the man's musical legacy - and you'll have a great time doing so as well.

October 2005