Wynonie Harris – Women, Whiskey & Fish Tails – Ace Records CDCHD  487

This 1993 21-track Ace Records gathering of stellar work by R&B and jump blues giant Wynonie Harris highlights the master blues shouter’s later period efforts for King Records, the independent label that was based in Cincinnati, Ohio, showcasing work from the 1952-1957 era.

This Harris overview, though, focuses on more unknown cuts that may not be as familiar to lovers of his most famous work, but by no means does the R&B and jump blues found here in any way disappoints.  “Good Rockin’ Tonight” and “Bloodshot Eyes” are not here (those are found on another Ace Records Harris compilation), but electrifying selections such as “Drinkin’ Sherry Wine” and “Greyhound” find him still wailing like the national star he became in 1945 with the Lucky Millinder Orchestra.  on the complete opposite end of a musician taking a rest.  Harris takes all involved to church, so to speak, with his gospel-shaded vocal frenzy and handlings of “Shake That Thing” and The Deacon Don’t Like It.”  These are amazing examples of Harris’ power and might!

Red Prysock can be heard on saxophone, as can Kenny Burrell on guitar.

Harris’ intense brand of music brought a swinging, driving spirit to R&B and jump blues lovers everywhere, and the quality here is majestic, and should be praised for its force and impact.

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

Song Titles

• Greyhound
• The Deacon Don’t Like It
• Christina
• Shake That Thing
• Don’t Take My Whiskey Away
• Drinkin’ Sherry Wine
• Fish Tail Blues
• Big Old Country Fool
• Shotgun Wedding
• Wine Wine Sweet Wine
• Git To Gittn’ Baby
• Dollar
• Bad News Baby (There’ll Be No Rockin’ Tonite)
• Bring It Back
• I Don’t Know Where To GO
• Man’s Best Friend
• Keep-A-Takin’
• Please Louise
• I Get A Thrill
• There’s No Substitute For Love
• Mama Your Daughter Done Lied On Me