A few new pieces of the LR career puzzle
Phil S. | USA | 05/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"[Different cover art work from above representation]. Here is an ambitious, well-notated collection of tunes, apparently striving to answer the question What was LR and company - Little richard and The Upsetters - doing between Peacock records and Specialty (where he cut "Tutti Frutti", et. al)? It appears that while the act was gaining momentum in clubs in many southern states, the word got out in the recording industry that a hot new R & B band could add some flash to a platter.
"Call His Name" is a happy beat; the only one of the three Republic cuts where his piano *and* voice are discerned.
The other two sides are also fairly contemporary blues, nothing to shake the world, although they are significant in that they contrast sharply with the previous work on Peacock and RCA, which sound out-of-date, albeit entertaining showcases for an outstanding new singer. The title of this CD is the fast-paced "Get Rich Quick", a swingin' blues from RCA. "Ain't Nothin' Happenin'" is a nod to the future big beat, featuring a strong, shouting vocal. "Thinkin' 'Bout My Mother" is a slow blues ballad, delivered with deep emotion.
Richard moved on to the Peacock label, where standout tracks were "I Love My Baby", a bouncing shuffle, presaging his 1956 "Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey!" explosion (actually more exciting in its' alternate take found right here); and "Little Richard's Boogie", which just might include the LR keyboard, according to this reviewer. For a few bars we can hear some real pre-R & R...R & R. Another interesting item is the lugubrious blues, "Directly From My Heart To You", a classic Penniman riff. Ofcourse he remade the tune for Specialty, though it was shelved for four years; he also recut it in '65 for Modern Records (look for the 45rpm version).
So we have the first Richard-as-guest event on record. Thanks to Rev-Ola. Now we hope that later unreleased tracks with The James Gang ("But I Try" [aka "I Tried" (?)], The Jefferson Airplane ("Bludgeon Of A Bluecoat - The Man"), and who knows what else?, can be brought out for the fans and historians. Well alright!!!"
Track Listings (25) - Disc #1