Various Artists – Black Top Blues Cocktail Party! – Black Top Records BT 1066

Much is owed to the brothers Nauman Scott and Hammond Scott for their diligent work on behalf of the blues that originated via their New Orleans, Louisiana-based independent record label, one that was founded in 1981.  Though the imprint folded shop and ceased operations in the late 1990s, the label’s works remain highly revered.  Since the end of Black Top’s operations and the death of Nauman Scott, Hammond made the decision to sell the catalog, with certain of it again seeing the light of day on imprints such as Fuel 2000, Hep Cat Records, P-Vine Records, and Shout! Factory.

Besides Black Top’s vital works by specific artists, one of its best-received initiatives was to package cuts on various compilations that served as tasty introductions to the label’s offerings. 

This 15-selection outing is indeed a party on a CD that features oh-so-good cuts by Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Robert Ward, Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters, Snooks Eaglin with Sam Myers and Anson Funderburgh, Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets featuring Sam Myers, Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff and Snooks Eaglin, James “Thunderbird” Davis, Jimmy Don Smith and The Cold Cuts, Sil Austin, Bobby Radcliff, and Mike Morgan & The Crawl.

Featuring non-album selections from Black Top’s deep and highly talented roster, the entirety of this disc wholly satisfies, leading the listener pondering, “If these cuts are so great, I wonder what their released sides must be like.”  Black Top’s leadership obviously knew exactly what they were doing.

This isn’t simply filler in a label’s catalog; no, this is material that easily and justifiably could’ve been included on the individual artists’ releases, and that speaks extremely high of the quality of blues genius that resided within Black Top’s stables.

From cut one to number 15, this CD ideally documents Black Top’s elevated blues contributions, and is one that will find repeated play in your CD player.

This is a highly recommended anthology, and one your collection would benefit from!