Wynonie Harris – Lovin’ Machine – Ace Records CDCHD  843

This generous 2002 Ace Records 26-cut compilation of work by R&B and jump blues giant Wynonie Harris zeroes in primarily on his King Records work from the period 1951-1957.  Though this mighty compilation doesn’t contain Harris smashes such as “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” as the tunes here are mostly from his post-peak chart days, there is a tremendous body of R&B and jump blues here to savor and nourish one’s desire to hear it done by a master of those categories.  Some critics would argue that Harris continued to formulaically work his brand of R&B and jump blues to excess; not this blogger, though!  The beauty of this anthology is that it includes sterling sides not frequently collected together, while also finding Harris delving deep into ballad, spiritual, and mambo stylings not often represented as part of his broad overall musical package.  There is also a very engaging tune here, “Rot Gut,” that finds Harris at his churning and burning best, a song that tells the tale of a nasty hangover (like other of his output).  Plus, the included 1952 tune “All Night Long” finds Harris singing along with The Royals, an addition that only enhances the interest level of this superb assemblage.

Harris’ brand of music brought a swinging, driving essence to market, and the quality here is grand, and should be lauded for its strength and influence.

Below are the running tracks of this essential CD.  This needs to be in any serious blues, R&B, and jump blues collection!

Song Titles

• Lovin’ Machine
• Tremblin’
• Just Like Two Drops Of Water
• I’ll Never Give Up
• Bloodshot Eyes
• Here Comes The Night
• May Playful Baby’s Gone
• Keep On Churnin’ (Till The Butter Come)
• Luscious Woman
• Married Woman – Stay Married
• Nighttrain
• Rot Gut
• Do It Again, Please
• Adam Come And Get Your Rib
• Drinking Blues
• Wasn’t That Good
• Nearer Me Love To Thee
• Quiet Whiskey
• Down Boy Down
• Good Mambo Tonight
• Git With The Grits
• Song Of The Bayou
• All She Wants To Do Is Mambo
• That’s Me Right Now
• A Tale Of Woe
• All Night Long (with The Royals)