Rhythm N Bluesin By the Bayou / Various

A companion series to our Boppin' By The Bayou releases - we turn our attention to the uptempo blues and R&B from the Pelican State.

South Louisiana's entry into the R&B race stemmed from New Orleans and the distinctive sounds of Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Lloyd Price and Earl King but, as it spread west across the state and into the south east corner of Texas, it gathered up the influences of Zydeco, rural blues and the embryonic swamp pop to forge its own distinctive sound.

Here we combine romping R&B with some rocking blues of the region to give you a helping of Southern black music which will, at the very least, set your foot a-tapping.

Most of these recordings come from the vaults of Eddie Shuler's Goldband label and our continuing dip into the recordings made by Jay Miller. 23 of the 28 tracks are previously unreleased.

Compilation and sleeve note by Ian Saddler.