Wild Jimmy Spruill – Scratch ‘N’ Twist – Rare And Unissued New York Rhythm And Blues 1956-1962 – Night Train International NTI CD 7150

Born James Spruill, Wild Jimmy Spruill, as he came to be known, was primarily a New York-based session guitarist and career sideman who achieved something of cult status among blues and rhythm and blues guitarists and fans due to his scorching guitar solos, with him fondly remembered for the extent of his work on countless sessions in the 1950s and early 1960s.  Artists that Spruill worked with include a who’s-who of top-tier talent, including June Bateman, The Shirelles, Tarheel Slim, John Hammond, Jr., Jim Harrison and Bob Harrison, Buster Brown, Bob Gaddy, King Curtis, Little Anthony And The Imperials, Little Danny, Charles Walker, and Lynn Taylor And The Peachettes, among others. 

Spruill is especially vaunted, and rightfully so, for his sterling work on the records of Wilbert Harrison (i.e., ‘Kansas City”) and Bobby Lewis (i.e., “Tossin’ And Turnin”).  On both these outings, Spruill’s guitar solos are sweltering and intensely driving.

Due to Spruill’s flaming guitar expeditions and the reputation he acquired, he adopted the “Wild” moniker.

Spruill’s work extends across a wide swath of labels including Fury, Fire, Enjoy, Everlast, VIM, Old Town, and Vanguard.

The mid-1960s period saw Spruill at the front of his own group, and he and his band were a top-level attraction on the east coast nightclub scene. 

The generous 20 selections found here include Spruill’s efforts with Little Danny, Walkin’ Willie And His Orchestra, Lynn Taylor And The Peachettes, Jim Harrison and Bob Harrison, Rose Marie, Bill Ivey and The Sabers, Horace Cooper And Band, Charles Walker And Band, June Bateman, and Larry Dale, and all these cuts are magnificent representations of Spruill working within a collaborative framework that yet allowed his intense guitar work to stand out.

But, the most intriguing songs here are those that were released under his name, including “Kansas City March,” “Cut And Dried,” “Raisin’ Hell,” and “Scratch And Twist.”  There is a frenetic, ringing, almost-on-the-edge-of-destruction unruliness to them that renders them altogether enticing.  That said, “the Squeeze” with Horace Cooper And Band, “Driving Home” and “Charles Walker Slop” with Charles Walker And Band highly enthrall, though there is not a throw-away selection across this delighting assemblage.  Spruill’s input, no mater the extent of his guitar work, compels all these cuts rise to greater heights.

Wild Jimmy Spruill should be represented in your personal blues collection, and this is an appropriate place to start.               

Highly-recommended without qualification!