Sonny Thompson - Mellow Blues For The Late Hours (King LP 655)

Side 1:
01) Mellow Blues (Part 1)
02) Palmetto
03) Clang, Clang, Clang
04) Sugar Cane
05) Cat On The Keys (Part 1)
06) Cat On The Keys (Part 2)
07) Cotton Ball
08) Single Shot

Side 2:
01) Smoke Stack Blues
02) Real, Real Fine
03) Let's Move
04) Behind The Sun
05) Blues Mambo
06) First Base
07) Gum Shoe
08) Frog Legs

Mellow Blues For The Late Hours (Mega)

Mellow Blues For The Late Hours (Zippy)

Released in October 1959, this King collection of Sonny Thompson instrumentals doesn't consist solely of late night, closing time "slows", there are some shufflers and jumpers in here too. It's the echo drenched sleazy sax and piano after hours instros that appeal to me but the tracks aimed at the dance crowd are also worth a listen.

I've reconstructed the album using tracks from various reissue compilations kicking around in my collection plus artwork found on the internet. My thanks to the original uploaders. Note that some of the tracks on this album were originally released as two part singles. In such cases I have assumed that the "part 1" from these singles are the tracks featured on the LP. The release details of the singles are given below. The information was gathered from 45worlds.com, discogs.com and Billboard magazine which can be searched via google.

Original Release Details:

Sugar Cane / I'm Coming Back Home To Stay - King 4345 - April 1950

After Sundown / Frog Legs - King 4364 - June 1950

Nightfall / Palmetto - King 4384 - July 1950

Smoke Stack Blues / Uncle Sam Blues - King 4431 - March 1951

Mellow Blues (Part 1) / Mellow Blues (Part 2) - King 4488 - December 1951

I'll Drown In My Tears / Clang, Clang, Clang - King 4527 - April 1952

Let's Call It A Day / Blues Mambo - King 4541 - June 1952

Real, Real Fine (Part 1) / Real, Real Fine (Part 2) - King 4554 - October 1952

Let's Move / My Heart Needs Someone - King 4657 - September 1953

I'm Beggin' And Pleadin' / Single Shot - King 4718 - May 1954

Cotton Ball (Part 1) / Cotton Ball (Part 2) - King 4729 - July 1954

Cat On The Keys (Part 1) / Cat On The Keys (Part 2) - King 4746 - October 1954

Behind The Sun (Part 1) / Behind The Sun (Part 2) - King 4791 - April 1955

First Base / Lonely Moon - King 4809 - July 1955

Gum Shoe / Stop, Come See Me - King 5055 - June 1957

Elsewhere On The Blog:

Cat On The Keys

A 1980s Swingtime collection with quite a few tracks in common with the Mellow Blues For The Late Hours LP. The original post in 2007 has a write up on the career of Sonny Thompson and can be found here:

https://bebopwinorip.blogspot.com/2007/09/sonny-thompson-cat-on-keys_5464.html

The LP was later re-upped with more complete artwork in 2017 here:

https://bebopwinorip.blogspot.com/2017/04/sonny-thompson-cat-on-keys-re-up.html 

There are now updated download links on both of these posts.

For an in-depth look at a couple of Sonny Thompson 78 rpm singles thanks to El Enmascarado, go to the following posts which still have working links for your listening pleasure -

Cotton Ball Parts 1 and 2 (King 4729) 

Late Freight / Sonny's Return (Miracle 128) 

I see my write up on "Cotton Ball" inadvertently anticipated the feel of the "Mellow Blues For The Late Hours" LP. The comments are worth reading!

A Request!

This was the second Sonny Thompson LP released on King. The first Sonny LP, "Moody Blues - Play Only After Midnight" was released in April 1958. I have the tracks to reconstruct it except one - "Low Down" which was released on the single King 4992 b/w "Lost In This Great Big City" in December 1956. If anyone out there has a decent rip of "Low Down" and is willing to see it posted on the blog, please get in touch via email.

Freddy King - Lula Reed - Sonny Thompson - Boy-Girl-Boy

Side 1:

01. Do The President Twist - Lula Reed & Freddy King
02. I Got A Notion - Lula Reed
03. Know What You're Doing - Lula Reed
04. You Can't Hide - Lula Reed & Freddy King
05. What Makes You So Cold - Lula Reed
06. Puddentane - Lula Reed

Side 2:
01. (Let Your Love) Watch Over Me - Lula Reed & Freddy King
02. I'm A Woman (But I Don't Talk Too Much) - Lula Reed
03. Waste No More Tears - Lula Reed
04. It's Easy, Child - Lula Reed & Freddy King
05. I Know - Lula Reed
06. Why Don't You Come On Home - Lula Reed

Boy-Girl-Boy (Mega)

Boy-Girl-Boy (Zippy)

I've "reconstructed" this LP using artwork from Discogs.com, and a record sales site (I've forgotten which one) and sound files ripped from my collection.

King LP 777, resplendent in astonishingly tacky artwork, was issued in September 1962. Although Freddy King is billed first, this is really a Lula Reed album. We saw in the previous post "I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone" that Lula started recording for King as vocalist with the Sonny Thompson band in 1951. Her last session for King was in August 1956, then she recorded sides for release on the Chess subsidiary label Argo during 1958-59.

In 1961 she was back with Sonny Thompson at King and during January and March of that year they recorded sides which were released on the King subsidiary label Federal. In February 1962 Lula and Sonny teamed up with guitarist / singer Freddy King for some sides which were also released on Federal. Full details of the original releases and recording sessions of the tracks on this LP are given below.

The tracks on this LP consist of 2 from Lula's earlier stay at King ("Why Don't You Come On Home" and "Waste No More Tears" from 1955/56); 6 tracks from her 1961 Federal sessions, and 4 tracks from her 1962 sessions with Freddy King. It's noticeable that Lula's style changed in the early 60s recordings as she utilised a raunchier, more earthy delivery which packed a fair old punch into "Puddentane" and was equally effective on more plaintive songs like the wonderful "I Know."

The sessions with Freddy King were Lula's last for King / Federal. In September 1962 she started recording for Ray Charles' Tangerine label (perhaps he remembered her original version of "I'll Drown In My Tears" which he adapted as "I'll Drown In My Own Tears"). After 2 more sessions for Tangerine in May and June 1963, Lula retired from recording. That was it. No more records from one of the best female R&B vocalists of the 1950s / early 60s. She had gone back to her church roots, renounced the secular for the sacred, and was lost to the world of R&B and Soul Music. Truly a gain for the Lord but a loss for the worldly.

Fax on the Traxxxx

King LP 777 (Boy-Girl-Boy) was released in September 1962.

Original single release details:

Why Don't You Come On Home / I'm Giving All My Love - King 4811 - July 1955

Every Second / Waste No More Tears - King 4996 - December 1956

I'm A Woman (But I Don't Talk Too Much) / I Know - Federal 12407 - February 1961

I Got A Notion / Puddentane - Federal 12416 - May 1961

You Gotta Have That Green / Know What You're Doing - Federal 12426 - September 1961

On the next 4 Federal issues Lula Reed was credited as "Lulu Reed."

 Ain't No Cotton Pickin' Chicken (Gonna Break This Chicken Heart Of Mine) / What Makes You So Cold - Federal 12440 - December 1961

*Do The President Twist / Your Love Keeps A-Working On Me - Federal 12457 - March 1962. B Side credited to "Lulu Reed."

*(Let Your Love) Watch Over Me / *You Can't Hide - Federal 12471 - July 1962

*It's Easy Child / Say Hey Pretty Baby - Federal 12477 - November 1962. B Side credited to "Lulu Reed."

* = "Lulu Reed & Freddy King"

The recording sessions:

Why Don't You Come On Home - Lula Reed (vocal) with Jewell Grant (alto sax); David Brooks (tenor sax); Tommy Purkson (baritone sax); Sonny Thompson (piano); Clarence Kenner (guitar); Albert Winston (bass); Albert Bartee (drums).
Los Angeles, March 29th, 1955

Waste No More Tears - Lula Reed (vocal) with Tommy Purkson (alto sax); David Brooks, Raymond Felder (tenor saxes); Alexander Nelson (baritone sax); Sonny Thompson (piano); Thomas Palmer (guitar); Albert Winston (bass); Robert Boswell (drums).
Cincinnati, August 21st, 1956

Know What You're Doing; What Makes You Feel So Cold; I Got A Notion - Lula Reed (vocal) with Osborne Whitfield (tenor sax); Sonny Thompson (piano); Freddie Jordan, Lawrence Frazier (guitars); Bill Willis (bass); Phillip Paul (drums).
Cincinnati, January 19th, 1961

Puddentane recorded in Cincinnati on March 19th, 1961 with same line up as January 19th.

I'm A Woman (But I Don't Talk Too Much) and I Know recorded in Cincinnati on March 20th, 1961 with same line up as on previous 2 sessions.

Do The President Twist; (Let Your Love) Watch Over Me; You Can't Hide; It's Easy Child - Lula Reed and Freddy King (vocals) with Gene Redd, Clifford Scott (saxes); Sonny Thompson (piano); Fred Jordan (guitar); Bill Willis (bass); Phillip Paul (drums).
Cincinnati, February 7th-8th, 1962.

Lula Reed - I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone

Side 1:
01. Sick and Tired
02. Jealous Love
03. Watch Dog
04. Your Key Don't Fit No More
05. Going Back To Mexico
06. Bump On A Log
07. Three Men
08. Sample Man

Side 2:
01. Troubles On Your Mind
02. The Wild Stage Of Life
03. Ain't It A Shame
04. Without Love (Ain't It A Shame)
05. I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone
06. Why Don't You Come On Home
07. I'll Upset You Baby
08. Caught Me When My Love Was Down

I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone (Mega)

I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone (Zippy)

Here's a rather terrific compilation of Lula Reed sides from her first spell with King Records which lasted from the end of 1951 to August 1956.

Lula was of course the vocalist with Sonny Thompson's band, having won the spot after auditioning against 50 competitors. Her first recording session with the band in December 1951 resulted in 2 big R&B hits - "I'll Drown In My Tears" (# 5 in July 1952) and "Let's Call It A Day" (#9 one month later). Both of these discs were credited to Sonny Thompson, but Lula was credited on subsequent releases although backing was still by the Thompson band. One of the most enjoyable features of this LP is the quality of that backing band, especially Sonny Thompson on piano, David Brooks on tenor sax and Clarence Kenner on guitar.

Full session details are listed on the LP back cover, so I have only added the release dates of the singles and also noted in italics the sides on these singles which do not feature on this LP.

Original release of tracks on this comp

King 4649 - Don't Make Me Love You / Going Back To Mexico - August 1953

King 4688 - Watch Dog / Your Key Don't Fit It No More - December 1953

King 4703 - Troubles On Your Mind / Bump On A Log - March 1954

King 4726 - I'll Upset You Baby / Wonderful Love - July 1954

King 4748 - Sick And Tired / Jealous Love - October 1954

King 4767 - I'm Gone, Yes I'm Gone / Rock Love - January 1955

King 4796 - Without Love (Ain't It A Shame) / Caught Me When My Love Was Down - May 1955

King 4811 - Why Don't You Come On Home / I'm Giving All My Love - July 1955

King 4969 - Sample Man / Three Men - October 1956

Ain't It A Shame and The Wild Stage Of Life were first issued on this LP.

Also on the blog:

"Cat On The Keys"

More Lula and Sonny in the next post!

After Hours (King LP 528) - re-up

Side 1:
01. Long Gone Part 1 - Sonny Thompson
02. Long Gone Part 2 - Sonny Thompson
03. After Hours - Ace Harris
04. Midnight To Dawn - Earl Bostic
05. What's New - Bill Jennings
06. Ooh Midnight - Pete "Guitar" Lewis

Side 2:
01. After Hours - Jimmy Nolen
02. Eventide - Bill Doggett
03. Blues For The Red Boy - Todd Rhodes
04. Mellow Blues Part 1 - Sonny Thompson
05. Mellow Blues Part 2 - Sonny Thompson
06. In The Morning - Washboard Bill

Download from here:

After Hours (King LP 528) Mega

Originally posted on March 11th, 2008:

http://bebopwinorip.blogspot.co.uk/2008/03/after-hours-king-528_246.html

New cover scans and label shots have been added. The original back cover managed to attribute all four artist photos wrongly, so in the new version I have moved the photos around to match the names. The original back cover scan is included in the download for completists.

This LP was first issued in late 1956 with subsequent reissues appearing in the late 1950s and early 1960s as this collection was a fairly good seller for King. The copy on this post is a 1987 reissue. The music can be summed up as late night blues smooch with a hint of sleaze. Terrific stuff!

You'll find a little "Easter Egg" in the download. Happy listening!

Diggin' deeper:

"Long Gone, Parts 1 & 2" by Sonny Thompson - originally released on Miracle 126 in April 1948. Recorded in Chicago in late 1947. Personnel: Sonny Thompson with the Sharps and Flats : Eddie Chamblee (tenor sax - Part 2); Sonny Thompson (piano); Alvin Garrett (guitar); Leroy Morrison (bass); Thurman "Red Cooper (drums).

"After Hours" by Ace Harris - originally released on Hub 3019 in May 1946. B Side of "Shorty's Got To Go." Recorded in NYC on unknown date in 1946. Ace Harris (piano) and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis (tenor sax), other personnel unknown. Also included on King EP 344 "After Hours with Ace Harris."

King EP from 1955 - scan from 45worlds.com

"Midnight To Dawn" by Earl Bostic - originally released on King 4302 in June 1949 as "From Midnight To Dawn." Recorded in Cincinnati on January 12th 1949. Personnel: Roger Jones (trumpet); Earl Bostic (alto sax); Count Hastings (tenor sax); John Byard (piano); Vernon King (bass); Shep Shepherd (drums).

"What's New" by Bill Jennings - originally released on King 4735 in August 1954. The Bill Jennings Quartet - "Soft Winds" / "What's New?" Recorded in Cincinnati on July 8th 1954. Personnel - Andrew Johnson (piano); Bill Jennings (guitar); Joe Williams (bass); George De Hart (drums).

"Ooh Midnight" by Pete "Guitar" Lewis - originally released on Federal 12103 in October 1952. B Side of "Scratchin'." Recorded in Los Angeles on August 28th 1952. Personnel: Pete "Guitar" Lewis (guitar) with Don Johnson (trumpet); George Washington (trombone); James Von Streeter (tenor sax), Fred Ford (baritone sax); Johnny Otis (vibes); Devonia Williams (piano); Albert Winston (bass); Leard Bell (drums); Little Esther Phillips (orgiastic moaning).

"After Hours" by Jimmy Nolen - originally released on Federal 12252 in January 1956. B Side of "Strollin' With Nolen." Recorded in Los Angeles in November 1955. Personnel: Jimmy Nolen (guitar); Eldee Williams (tenor sax); Kenny Battle (baritone sax); Clarence "Bubber" Cyphers (piano); Johnny House (bass); Earl Hyde (drums).

"Eventide" by Bill Doggett - originally released on King 4690 in January 1954. B Side of "And The Angels Sing." Recorded in Cincinnati on 15th December 1953. Personnel: Percy France (tenor sax); Bill Doggett (organ); Jerry Lane (guitar); Clarence Mack (bass); Shep Shepherd (drums).

"Blues For The Red Boy" by Todd Rhodes - originally released on King 4240 in August 1948. B side of "Sportree's Jump," however "Blues For The Red Boy" was the  major hit. Recorded in Chicago in October 1947. Personnel: Howard Thompson (trumpet); Hallie (Holley) Dismukes (alto sax); Louis Barnett (tenor sax); George Favors (baritone sax); Todd Rhodes (piano); Joe Williams (bass) Huestell Tally (drums).

The Todd Rhodes Band in 1947

"Mellow Blues, Parts 1 & 2" by Sonny Thompson - originally released on King 4488 in January 1952. Recorded in New York on 9th April 1951. Personnel: Robert Hadley (tenor sax); Sonny Thompson (piano); Hurley Ramey (guitar); Carl Pruitt (bass); Harold Austin (drums).

"In The Morning" by Washboard Bill - originally released on King 4983 in November 1956, b/w "River Boat Dock." Recorded in New York in 1956(?). Personnel - William E. Cooke aka "Washboard Bill" aka "Hobo Bill" (washboard, vocals); Mickey Baker (guitar); King Curtis (tenor sax); possibly also: Herman Foster (piano), Lloyd Trotman (bass), Joe Marshall or Panama Francis (drums).

Mo' jump 'n' jive re-ups comin' soon - all the way from Detroit and LA. Take me home, mama!

Sonny Thompson - Cat On The Keys (re-up)

Side One:
01. Cat On The Keys pt 1
02. Cat On The Keys pt 2
03. Sugar Cane
04. Clang Clang Clang
05. Mellow Blues pt 1
06. Mellow Blues pt 2
07. Single Shot
08. Cotton Ball pt 2

Side Two:
01. Let's Move
02. Real Real Fine pt 2
03. Gum Shoe
04. Blues Mambo
05. Long Gone pt 2
06. Frog Legs
07. Down In The Dumps
08. Behind The Sun pt 2

Cat On The Keys (Mega)

Cat On The Keys (Zippy)

Follow the link below to the original post full of arcane knowledge, out of date purchase recommendations, and unfounded opinions. Read, learn off by heart, and become irresistible to members of the opposite sex:

http://bebopwinorip.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/sonny-thompson-cat-on-keys_5464.html

This LP was originally posted in September, 2007 but the post was rewritten some years later. For this re-up I have included new cover scans as the original scans dated from a time when I hadn't quite mastered the art of scanning a 12" LP sleeve. The volume on the tracks has been boosted using MP3Gain. The re-up also includes a folder of EP cover scans and 45 rpm single label shots from Joan K.

As for the music, this is one hell of a collection of dynamite R&B instrumentals. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Click on these links for more Sonny Thompson on Be Bop Wino, courtesy of El Enmascarado and his collection of 78s:

Late Freight / Sonny's Return (featuring Eddie Chamblee)

Cotton Ball Parts 1 and 2

Backyard Affair / Dreaming Again

More rockin' re-ups coming soon, cats 'n' kittens.

Jump & Jive On 78 - Volume 3

It's time to gather together the latest selection of El Enmascarado's 78 rpm rips in downloadable form. We proudly present Volume 3 of our series of "Jump & Jive On 78" virtual LPs. If you dig your R&B on the jazzy side, then this is the collection for you.

Click on the artist names in the labels section to find out more about these tracks. The download includes a folder of label scans.

Download from here:

http://www24.zippyshare.com/v/28763255/file.html

No password

Track list:

1 Calvin Boze - Slippin' and Slidin'
2 Big John Greer - Hey Bruz
3 Gene Ammons - Dues In Blues
4 Tiny Bradshaw - Walking The Chalk Line
5 Red Saunders - Blow Mr Low Blow
6 Russell Jacquet - Lion's Roar
7 Sonny Thompson - Backyard Affair
8 Joe Liggins - How Come
9 Calvin Boze - Baby You're Tops With Me
10 Gene Ammons - Odd-En-Ow
11 Tiny Bradshaw - Bradshaw Boogie
12 Russell Jacquet - Suede Jacket
13 Big John Greer - Tonight's The Night
14 Tiny Grimes - Flying Home Part 1
15 Tiny Grimes - Flying Home Part 2
16 Red Saunders - Lyin' Girl Blues
17 Joe Liggins - Worried
18 Sonny Thompson - Dreaming Again

Collect 'em all!

http://bebopwinorip.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/jump-jive-on-78-volume-2.html

http://bebopwinorip.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/jump-jive-on-78-volume-1.html

With thanks, as ever, to El Enmascarado.

Backyard Affair / Dreaming Again – Sonny Thompson and Orchestra (Miracle 146)

Scan from very faded label 

Another scan from a very faded label!

Backyard Affair recorded Chicago, June 1949. Dreaming Again recorded Chicago, April 1949.

Personnel on April 1949 session: Floyd Jones (tp); Eddie Chamblee (ts); Dick Davis (ts); Sonny Thompson (p); Leo Blevins (g); Curtis Ferguson (b); Sonny Cole (d)

June 1949 session recorded with similar personnel, although Chamblee and Blevins possibly replaced by unknown. This was Sonny Thompson’s last session for Miracle.

Record released October 1949. Label scans from a very faded 78 disc, hence de facto invisibility.

Listen to "Backyard Affair"

Listen to "Dreaming Again"

With thanks to El Enmascarado, the wrestling muso, for these rips and scans. Here is his commentary on the tracks:

“Dreaming Again makes me think of old-fashioned stripper music. The saxes groan, the trumpet blares the blues, the drums go boomp-a-boomp and the girls do the hoochie-coochie…”

“Backyard Affair makes me think that the cats were longing to go a bit more Bebop. Although the main melody seems to borrow from D Natural Blues by Lucky Millinder (one of my very favorites, and possibly the first R&B 78 I knew as a boy- I'll eventually get around to ripping it), it also has occasional boppish dissonant chords that jump out seemingly at random. Also, in addition to what I would think of as the Meade Lux Lewis Tremolo Lick, Sonny plays what sounds for all the world like a Thelonious Monk lick at @1:43. Pretty interesting. I'm happy with the sound quality I got, but the original label is quite faded, hence the scans.”

Billboard 15th October 1949

Cotton Ball Parts 1 and 2 – Sonny Thompson (King 4729)

Recorded on May 21st, 1954 in Cincinnati. Personnel: Fred Clark (as); David Brooks (ts); Tommy Purkson (bar); Sonny Thompson (p); Clarence Kenner (g); James Royal (b); Robert Boswell (d). Released July, 1954.

Listen to "Cotton Ball (Part 1)"

Listen to "Cotton Ball (Part 2)"

Thanks to El Enmascarado for these rips from the original 78 rpm disc of this two part late night smoocher from Sonny Thompson. You can imagine these cool jazzy sounds coming out of a tavern juke box shortly before closing time. Perhaps the clientele have been listening to Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, The Midnighters, Fats Domino and Ray Charles. But the evening wears on and only a few hardened drinkers remain to hear this moody late night instrumental. That’s it, folks. We’re closing. Ain’t you got homes to go to?

Billboard Magazine reviewed “Cotton Ball” on July 17th, 1954: “Here’s a neat slow-blues instrumental item which is particularly danceable yet retains a retentive melody line. The strongly repetitious bass figure and drum backing spark the various solo efforts for a slick hunk of wax. For the jazz and r.&b. markets."

Sonny Thompson had several hits with slow instrumentals such as “Long Gone”, “Late Freight” and “Mellow Blues.” “Cotton Ball” wasn’t a big seller but as you can hear, it’s a fine atmospheric recording. For an overview of Sonny’s career (plus an LP to download) see this post:

Cat On The Keys

  

You can listen to “Late Freight” ripped from El Enmascarado’s 78 rpm disc at this post:

Late Freight / Sonny's Return

Gum Shoe - Sonny Thompson

This post is by way of a preview of the latest updated post - the Sonny Thompson LP "Cat on the Keys" which was originally posted back in September 2007. I have included new scans of the LP artwork, plus a folder of Joan's scans of Sonny Thompson EPs and singles. There has also been an extensive rewrite of the post which you can find here.

The featured track on this post, "Gum Shoe," was recorded in 1956 and features blistering sax work by King Curtis. For a resume of Sonny's career swing on over to "Cat on the Keys."

My thanks to Joan for the label scan of the original 45rpm release of  "Gum Shoe."

Listen to Sonny Thompson's "Gum Shoe" here:

Late Freight / Sonny's Return - Sonny Thompson Quintet featuring Eddie Chamblee (Miracle 128)

Listen to "Late Freight"

Listen to "Sonny's Return"

"Late Freight" was recorded circa December 7th 1947 in Chicago. The "Sonny Thompson Quintet" consisted of Sonny Thompson, The Sharps and Flats and Eddie Chamblee. In other words the exact same line up which recorded "Long Gone, Part 2." Personnel: Eddie Chamblee (tenor sax), Sonny Thompson (piano), Alvin Garrett (guitar), Leroy Morrison (bass), Thurman "Red" Cooper (drums).

"Sonny's Return" was recorded circa December 24th 1947 with the same personnel as above, minus Eddie Chamblee.

"Late Freight" was released in August 1948 and was the follow up to the huge hit “Long Gone” which had been released in March 1948 and had become the third biggest R&B seller of the year, tucked in behind Lonnie Johnson’s “Tomorrow Night” and Julia Lee’s “King Size Papa.” Among the discs it outsold were “Good Rockin’ Tonight” by Wynonie Harris, “I Want a Bowlegged Woman” by Bull Moose Jackson, and Hal Singer’s frantic honker “Cornbread” which featured every rock ‘n’ roll riff ever known to man or womankind.

On “Late Freight,”  the “Long Gone” formula for success was repeated with Eddie Chamblee being recalled to the fray to lay down more great tenor sax work over a moody slow boogie which evoked the sound of a steady moving train going clickety clack over the tracks – yeah, blues in the night! “Late Freight” was another hit for Sonny, being the eleventh top selling disc of 1948 and along with “Long Gone” it helped to make him the third best selling R&B artist of that year with Bull Moose Jackson securing the top spot and Louis Jordan coming in as the second top selling artist.

With many thanks to El Enmascadero for the rips from shellac and label shots of the original 78rpm disc.

After Hours (King 528)

This is a 1987 reissue of the 1956 King LP “After Hours”. It’s a great collection of moody late night R&B instrumentals recorded from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. I like all the tracks on this album but the one that really gets me is “In The Morning” by Washboard Bill. There’s washboard scraping going on in the background but it’s mainly a sax instrumental punctuated by the occasional drunken yell of “In the morning!”

I’d really like to know who Washboard Bill is or was and who is playing the great sax on the track, but as with so many early R&B albums the packaging is cut-price with no session details whatsoever on the sleeve. Instead you get a brief generalised essay and a few artist photos ALL of which are wrongly attributed. Of interest is the list of other King albums available back in the 50’s. Apart from the inevitable Earl Bostic and Bill Doggett albums, there are a few exotic (or cheesy?) titles such as “Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland” by “Paul Renard At The Hammond Organ” and “Love Is Here To Stay” by “Shura At The Piano”. What on earth did they sound like? Perhaps it is as well that I’ll never find out.

Ripped from vinyl at 320 kbps. Password = greaseyspoon

Download link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/98810970/After_Hours.rar

1. Long Gone Part 1 / Sonny Thompson
2. Long Gone Part 2 / Sonny Thompson
3. After Hours / Ace Harris
4. Midnight To Dawn / Earl Bostic
5. What's New / Bill Jennings
6. Ooh Midnight / Pete "Guitar" Lewis
7. After Hours / Jimmy Nolen
8. Eventide / Bill Doggett
9. Blues For The Red Boy / Todd Rhodes
10. Mellow Blues Part 1 / Sonny Thompson
11. Mellow Blues Part 2 / Sonny Thompson
12. In The Morning / Washboard Bill

Sonny Thompson - Cat On The Keys

Side One:
1. Cat On The Keys pt 1
2. Cat On The Keys pt 2
3. Sugar Cane
4. Clang Clang Clang
5. Mellow Blues pt 1
6. Mellow Blues pt 2
7. Single Shot
8. Cotton Ball pt 2

Side Two:
1. Let's Move
2. Real Real Fine pt 2
3. Gum Shoe
4. Blues Mambo
5. Long Gone pt 2
6. Frog Legs
7. Down In The Dumps
8. Behind The Sun pt 2

Back in the first half of the 1950s the King label of Cincinnati boasted a formidable roster of rhythm and blues bands – Tiny Bradshaw, Todd Rhodes, Bull Moose Jackson, Lucky Millinder, Earl Bostic, Bill Doggett, and the “King of the Two Parter,” Sonny Thompson.

Sonny Thompson’s most successful period as a platter seller was with Miracle Records of Chicago for whom he recorded between 1947 and 1949, a period which saw him have two monster instrumental hits – “Long Gone, Parts 1 and 2” and “Late Freight.” Although he was born in Memphis in 1916, Sonny was raised in Chicago after his family relocated. He studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, but it was the night club ivory tinkling of Earl Hines and Art Tatum which had the biggest influence on his musical career. In the early 1940s Sonny followed in the footsteps of the masters, playing solo piano or heading up a trio on the club circuit around the Windy City.

His recording debut was for the small Detroit based Sultan label where he recorded two solo boogie woogie sides, “Southside Boogie” and Sonny’s Boogie.” In 1946 the Miracle record label was launched by Lee Egalnick in Chicago. Sonny was soon recording for the new diskery along with Gladys Palmer, The Dick Davis Orchestra, Memphis Slim, Eddie Chamblee, and The Sharps and Flats. The full story of Miracle Records and the early career of Sonny Thompson can be read on this page of the Red Saunders Research Foundation website which is a superb source of info on the Chicago R&B scene.

“Long Gone, Parts 1 and 2” was recorded towards the end of 1947 during the period when record companies were piling up recordings in anticipation of the AFM recording ban which would come into force on January 1st 1948. On Part 1 Sonny was accompanied by the Sharps and Flats, a jive trio featuring guitar, bass and drums. This side of the disc was a showcase for Sonny’s piano playing and the guitar of Arvin Garrett. Part 2 was recorded a few days later with Eddie Chamblee’s tenor sax being added to the same personnel as Part 1. Although “Long Gone” was Miracle’s biggest selling disc, a court case brought by a publishing company claiming copyright infringement may have been one of the causes of the demise of the record company in the spring of 1950. By the time Miracle was wound up, Sonny Thompson had already moved over to King Records for whom he started recording in January 1950.

This collection, which was released on Swingtime in 1988, brings together a heap of instrumentals recorded by Sonny for King between 1950 and 1956, with “Long Gone, Part 2” being the only track from his Miracle days. In fact King purchased most of the masters belonging to the defunct Miracle in October 1950.

“Mellow Blues, Parts 1 and 2” was the only instrumental chart hit for Sonny on King, the disc reaching number 8 in the R&B chart in 1952. Sonny’s only other hits with King were both vocal efforts featuring Lula Reed: “I’ll Drown In My Tears” reached number 5 in July 1952 and “Let’s Call It A Day” reached number 8 a month later. And yes, “I’ll Drown In My Tears” is the same song which was later recorded by Ray Charles as “I’ll Drown In My Own Tears.”

Despite the lack of chart success, the tracks on this LP are all excellent instrumentals which show the versatility of Sonny’s tight little group. Most of the sax work is by David Brooks and the electric guitar parts are by Chauncey “Lord” Westbrook, Bill Johnson and perhaps most notably, Clarence Kenner. It’s all fine jazzy stuff with dance floor fillers like “Cat On The Keys” (irresistible!), juke box toe tappers like “Let’s Move” and “Real Real Fine” and slinky late night smoochers like “Mellow Blues” and “Cotton Ball.” The 1956 track “Gum Shoe” has a searing tenor sax solo by King Curtis. This side was cut at what was effectively Sonny’s last session for King as the artist named on the disc label.

Sonny’s work on King wasn’t confined to recording his own sides. He was in demand as backing musician, producer and arranger on sides credited to other artists, most notably Wynonie Harris and Lula Reed (who recorded both as a solo and as Sonny’s band vocalist). Among the sides he cut with Harris were “Greyhound,” “Rot Gut,” “Shake That Thing” and “Git To Gittin’ Baby.” All fine rabble rousing rhythm and blues floor shakers, but sadly unsuccessful when it came to shifting platters. As the 1950s wore on Sonny gradually abandoned his own recording career in favour of his backing and arranging duties, perhaps being best remembered for his work with Freddie King in the early 1960s.

My thanks to Joan for the scans of 1950s EPs and singles by Sonny Thompson. A folder of  Joan's scans is included in the download.

Ripped from vinyl at 320 kbps.

Cat On The Keys (Mega)

Cat On The Keys (Zippy)

1. Cat On The Keys pt 1
2. Cat On The Keys pt 2
3. Sugar Cane
4. Clang Clang Clang
5. Mellow Blues pt 1
6. Mellow Blues pt 2
7. Single Shot
8. Cotton Ball pt 2
9. Let's Move
10. Real Real Fine pt 2
11. Gum Shoe
12. Blues Mambo
13. Long Gone pt 2
14. Frog Legs
15. Down In The Dumps
16. Behind The Sun pt 2

Recommended purchases:

Blue Moon has issued five volumes of Sonny’s recordings on CD, covering the years 1946 – 1955.

You may find these two out of print CDs if you search around:

Jam Sonny Jam – Original Miracle and King Masters 1947-1956 (Sequel NEM CD 900)

This is a twenty tracker which includes “Screamin’ Boogie” recorded with the Dick Davies Orchestra and many alternate takes. Very highly recommended.

“The EP Collection” (See for Miles SEECD 702)

This 26 track collection includes six sides by Lula Reed. Her 1952 hits “Let’s Call It A Day” and “I’ll Drown In My Tears” are present as are four extremely tough and gutsy performances from a 1961 session: “I Got a Notion,” “Puddentane,” “I’m A Woman, But I Don’t Talk” and “I Know.” These represent a change in style from her early 1950s work and are very highly recommended, as are all the instrumental tracks by Sonny on this collection.