Joe Houston – Rockin’ At The Drive-In – Ace Records CDCHD 994

Joe Houston was one of the most honking, fiery, “take-no-prisoners” R&B tenor sax artists whose primal, scorching instrumentals from the 1950s didn’t simply foresee the zenith that would be rock-n-roll, they powered its ascent! 

Spurred on by tenor sax titans like Hal Singer, Paul Williams, and Big Jay McNeely, Houston left his alto sax by the wayside and jumped full-on into the era’s tenor sax mania, forging an insistent, overloaded wail from the instrument.

Sax honkers and R&B shouters were all that rage in the 1950s, and Houston took full advantage of his broad skill set and the times to proclaim himself a master of the feverish music via his appearances at dances, packaged shows, east-to-west-north-to-south tours, and in the studio.

Most certainly assisting Houston’s rise was his embrace by White DJs, though his appeal spoke to Blacks and Hispanics, as well.  Houston’s style was velocity turned up to “10,” broaching rock-n-roll with a wildly forceful command.  His tunes were a festivity war shriek; such was his power.  The kids were wacky for his screaming output!

Always nattily-attired and sharp-witted, Houston was a true formidable beacon of controlled chaos.

This collection is simply one of the finest R&B compilations available.  Originally recorded for the Combo label at a couple of studio dates in 1956 and 1957, the 24 selections here will thoroughly please all who worship at the feet of a blasting tenor sax.  This is the west coast at its oiliest, and music made for clearing the room and dancing to; it’s a house party on a CD!

Enjoy Houston at his blusteriest best here!  I’m tired just after listening to this collection, in all the right ways!

Highly recommended!