Champion Jack Dupree - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2005) 2CDs

×

Champion Jack Dupree - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2005) 2CDs

Close

Champion Jack Dupree was one of the first American blues performers to leave the States and settle in Europe, where racial restrictions were less prominent. Arriving on the Continent in 1959, Dupree was well established and in a good position to take advantage of the British blues boom when it hit in the early to mid-'60s. Never one to let contractual obligations stand in the way of a recording session, Dupree tracked sides for a wide array of European labels, including several for Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon Records in 1968 and 1969, which resulted in two LPs, When You Feel the Feeling You Was Feeling and Scooby Dooby Doo, a scattering of singles, and a live set for a projected third album that was never released. All of that material – 38 tracks in all – is presented here in this wonderfully varied two-disc compilation. Dupree began his musical journey as a barrelhouse New Orleans piano player, and elements of that driving style stayed with him throughout his 50-year recording career (he first cut a record in 1940 and was still active as a performer when he died in 1992), but along the way he also developed into a complete entertainer, exceedingly casual and comfortable around audiences, capable of delivering thundering, gutbucket blues pieces, but also able to turn things smooth and elegant (witness his almost Vegas-styled jazz take on "The Sheik of Araby," included on the second disc here). That versatility is certainly on display in this anthology, which features Dupree working both solo and with crackerjack young British blues musicians, and the live tracks included allow a glimpse at Dupree's loose and confident stage manner. Among the highlights in this well-sequenced set are his signature "See My Milk Cow," a stomping version of "A Racehorse Called Mae," a delightfully wry "My Home's in Hell," and the absolutely churning, burning, and rocking "Grandma (You're a Bit Too Slow)." Dupree's huge personality shines through in track after track, and because of that, and because of the variety of musical settings, The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions makes a nice and substantial introduction to this engaging musician.

Review by Steve Leggett, Allmusic.com

UK released September 2005 on Sony/Blue Horizon 518516 2 (Barcode 5099751851622) - this fabulous double CD in a card wrap finally makes available for the first time on the format both of Champion Jack Dupree's notoriously rare UK albums on the cult Blue Horizon Label. These sessions also featured hidden musical contributions from members of FREE and THE ROLLING STONES.

The original analogue tapes were transferred and remastered by DUNCAN COWELL and MIKE VERNON and the sound quality is just gorgeous - lively, warm and clear. The booklet features both albums' artwork, full session discography, knowledgeable liner notes and even has a classy card wrap on the outside.

Champion Jack Dupree's style was boogie-woogie, his rolling piano licks accompanied by witty lyrics - often spoken before being sung (he wrote all tracks on Disc 1). You can just tell by looking at a photograph of his mischievous face - and the huge chomper of a cigar hanging out of the side of his mouth - that this man and his music are going to be infectious and endearing - and they are. Even when the recordings are just Dupree and his piano, the sound he makes is huge - and so entertaining - almost as if there's more going on than there is. And as if this wasn't good enough, both albums are bolstered up with heavy-hitter musicians from the British Rock, Blues and Jazz scene of the late Sixties. Four of the "When You Feel The Feeling…" tracks feature Paul Kossoff on Guitar and Simon Kirke on Drums of FREE. The songs are "Income Tax", "Roll On", "A Racehorse Called Mae" and "My Home's In Hell". STAN WEBB of CHICKEN SHACK contributes guitar on "I've Been Mistreated". Webb is also featured on the A-side of Dupree's 1st BH 7" single and Kossoff/Kirke on the B - the single being sought after for years for these reasons. The really cool news for FREE fans is the last two songs on Disc 1 which are previously unreleased - both contain Kossoff & Kirke in unheard songs. The takes are a bit rough and ready, but still fascinating to hear - even then with that `Free' feel they brought to everything. One of those last two tracks, "Black Cat Shuffle", also features fellow label mate DUSTER BENNETT on Guitar and a Deram label favourite, JOHNNY ALMOND on Sax - this is on top of the FREE types - bit of a Supergroup going there!

Moving on to Disc 2, the "Scoobydoobydoo" album featured Mick Taylor of THE ROLLING STONES on guitar on every track (including the A&B of the 2nd BH 7" single) - and the album also features turns from drummers KEEF HARTLEY and AYNSLEY DUNBAR. The last six live tracks were recorded on 1 June 1969 in The Angel Hotel in Goldaming in Surrey, England. My heart always sinks when I see live tracks, but these are great and the quality of the recordings is excellent - capturing the crowd singing along to his cover of Sticks McGhee's "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee".

A great release then - I urge to take a chance on it - and top marks to all the good people involved. Long may Champion reign! And my God - when you think of the debt Rock owes to Black music and Black musicians…

Review by Mark Barry, Amazon HALL OF FAME, TOP 10 Reviewer

×

Champion Jack Dupree - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2005) 2CDs

Close

×

Champion Jack Dupree - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2005) 2CDs

Close

×

Champion Jack Dupree - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2005) 2CDs

Close