King of the New Orleans Keyboard

In the early 1950s the young James Booker got quickly into the New Orleans R&B studio scene. His first association was with Dave Bartholomew. James also played the piano parts on some Fats Domino sessions when Fats was on the road. So go back to your Fats Domino records and give the piano a careful listen! In 1960 he moved to Houston to work with Duke/Peacock. Session work with Bobby Bland, Junior Parker and others followed. Then a big R&B hit of his own, 'Gonzo,' which reached No 10 on the R&B charts. Work behind artists from T-Bone Walker to Ringo Starr via Wilson Pickett and Lionel Hampton filled the next few years. In 1977 Booker got to Europe and suddenly he was famous. The dues-paying years were over. Tours and media exposure boosted his career. New Orleans itself even discovered James Booker as he then went on to become a lead artist at the annual New Orleans Heritage Festival. For an artist of his stature it's surprising and tragic that he had so few albums released. The material here - which shows why he was held in such high esteem - is consequently to be treasured all the more.