Louis Jordan Albums (9)
'Jumpin' and Jivin' at Jubilee'
Release Date 1/7/2003
Tracks 10
Label Collectors' Choice Music
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What The Critics Say
The material on this collection was culled from two live recordings made by Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5 for the Armed Forces Radio Service in 1943 and 1944. It includes many of his most popular songs, some of which remain favorites on the novelty-nostalgia circuit -- "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby" (presented here in two versions, one sung by the delightful Ida James) and "Five Guys Named Moe" are among those. Because these are live recordings, they also feature charmingly hammy jive-talk exchanges between Jordan and emcee Ernie "Bubbles" Whitman before each track. Jump blues has always had trouble getting respect, both from jazz aficionados who find the music simplistic and from R&B lovers who find it shallow and soulless. The fact that the most enduring songs from the tradition tend to be novelty numbers doesn't help matters much. But for those who can put aside their musical snobbery for a little while and give themselves up to the pure pleasure of this material, Louis Jordan offers more fun than a dozen Charlie Parkers. And in case you think he and his band are lacking in the chops department, listen to them rip through Dizzy Gillespie's "Rebop" at the end of this program. Maybe the world doesn't need a ten-CD retrospective anytime soon, but compilations like this one will always be welcome. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Caldonia'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 8
Label Universal Special Products
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What The Critics Say
A very short introduction to some of the most essential Louis Jordan hits. Only eight tracks are included, but the selections couldn't be better, with the proto-rock masterpieces "Caldonia," "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "Let the Good Times Roll," and a few other of Jordan's seminal jump-blues sides. A great place to start, but there are far more comprehensive collections on the market. ~ Matt Fink, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Louis Jordan's string of hits ended in 1952, but he was still in his musical prime throughout the 1950s, even though he was no longer on the charts. During 1955-56, he cut three record sessions for the RCA subsidiaries Vik and X, which resulted in the dozen numbers on this 1993 CD. Due to its brevity (just over 29 minutes), this release was sold as a budget item by RCA. Few of Jordan's fans have probably heard these rarities. The altoist/singer/entertainer was doing his best to adjust to the times, performing early rock & roll, a couple of ballads (including "Whatever Lola Wants"), and novelties. The recordings, which sold poorly, do have their moments. On two of the three sessions, Jordan's septet is greatly expanded, but he is always the star throughout. Among the better numbers are "Slow, Smooth and Easy," "Chicken Back," "Hard Head" and "Texas Stew." Not essential, but Louis Jordan fans who wonder what happened to their hero will want to hear these obscurities. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Louis Jordan & Chris Barber'
Release Date 1/1/1991
Tracks 14
Label Black Lion
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What The Critics Say
It seems strange that by 1962, altoist/singer Louis Jordan was thought of as a has-been, for he was actually still in his prime. However, Jordan had run out of new hits and seemed very much passé to some listeners. Most of this CD reissue features Jordan sounding quite exuberant and creative on a 1962 set with trombonist Chris Barber's flexible Dixieland band. The nine selections include four remakes (including "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby"), a few newer songs, and bright renditions of "Sister Kate" and "Indiana"; Jordan, Barber, trumpeter Pat Halcox and clarinetist Ian Wheeler form a potent frontline. Also on the CD are five selections taken from unrelated Barber sessions, including three Duke Ellington songs. Recommended to fans of Dixieland, small-group swing and Louis Jordan. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'I Believe in Music'
Release Date 1/1/1975
Tracks 15
Label Black & Blue
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What The Critics Say
Louis Jordan's final recording (he died 15 months later), I Believe in Music has been reissued on CD, along with six previously unreleased selections. Although Jordan had not been a hitmaker in around 20 years and had been somewhat neglected during the decade before the set, he was still in his musical prime both vocally and instrumentally. The altoist is teamed with tenorman Irv Cox and a rhythm section led by pianist Duke Burrell. There are a few remakes of past hits (including "Caldonia," "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby," "Saturday Night Fish Fry" and "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town"), along with newer jump material. Jordan is in good form and high spirits throughout this date. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
