Wail! 2003 style....

Chuck Willis Wails
The Complete Recordings 1951-1956
Sundazed SC11122/2CD (71:23 • 26 tracks - 66:24 • 25 tracks)

Not too many artists can get away with wearing a turban. Nice guy rhythm and blues singer Chuck Willis had the kind of respect from his peers and fans that made his choice of eastern-influenced headgear a non-issue. It was just a way to hide his rapidly thinning hairline.
Willis died in 1958 and for a cat that’s been dead nearly 45 years it proves a testament to his greatness that  a full bore, career compilation would be released at this late date. Willis only recorded for ten years and during that time he not only had success with his own recordings of his songs but additional recognition later for versions recorded by Ruth Brown (“Oh What A Dream”), Elvis Presley (“I Feel So Bad”), Little Milton (“Don’t Deceive Me”) and Otis Redding (“You’re Still My Baby”).  The songs range from big orchestra jump blues to late-at-night, barstool’n’bourbon weepers of the highest order. Willis had the kind of vocal skill that is rarely ever matched by more common singers-clean enunciation, soulful delivery and emotional thickness. Sundazed should be commended for re-issuing these magic sides in such a respectful fashion. Fans of revivalist bands like Roomful Of Blues will instantly swing lively to tracks like “Take It Like A Man” and others. After recording one single for Columbia, Willis moved to the recently rejuvenated wartime label Okeh. The sweet 51 track set is culled from those archives and gives a wonderfully deep look at his work, putting this one in the must-own category. Great liners by Bill Dahl and a cleanly designed package round out the handsome set that adds additional weight to the enduring legacy of a fine singer and stylist.

The MONk 2009 View - erp, orp, thwack! You have just gots to own some Chuck Willis. Sure, it's "old" music-wartime, big bands and all that. But the soul that emanates from this music is of the balming sort if yer know wot I mean? Sitting back and soaking in these at times wild sides will take you another simpler time and place and if you truly have the ears to listen my dear friends, it will make you feel all gooshy inside and indeed, get a smile on yr face for real dig? Trust New and Notable right here, right now! Happy Friday yuh all!