Search - Buddy Johnson :: Walk Em Rhythm Band 1940-1950

Rock on!!

rick from Boston | 04/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any history of rock n' roll should begin with a long mention of the Buddy Johnson orchestra. This compilation features titles recorded during their period with Decca records and covers their changing from a swing band to a rhythm & blues band in the mid 40's. Blues with a beat is what this band was all about. A favorite band for dancing, they featured the "walk 'm" rhythm Buddy favored. It kept the dancers happy; which was important back then. The band recorded for nearly 30 years, a testament of their popularity with the black audiences of the time. Bluesy vocals by Buddy's sister Ella are mixed with R&B instrumentals. Nobody could keep that steady heavy beat like Buddy's band.Riffing saxes and rocking piano. A great introduction to an overlooked band. If you like these recordings, check out their Mercury sides! Go ahead and rock! Features "that's the stuff you gotta watch", later covered by Muddy Waters and "since I fell for you", which became a jazz standard."