Producer
Herb Abramson's first encounters with
Big Joe Turner weren't at Atlantic, but for the National logo, where
Turner paused from 1945 to 1947 and cut the 26 swinging numbers on this collection. For once, the CD format limits the amount of selections rather than enlarging it; the original two-LP version of this package boasted a few more cuts.
Pete Johnson returns to run the 88s on the first seven numbers (including a two-part cover of
Saunders King's "S.K. Blues"), and familiar names like saxman
Wild Bill Moore and drummer Red Saunders also turn up. "Sally Zu-Zazz," "I Got Love for Sale," and "My Gal's a Jockey" capture the peerless shouter at his ribald best. ~ Bill Dahl