Kansas City Blues 1944-1949

If you managed to catch the excellent Martin Scorcese Blues series, broadcast by the BBC, then you will be familiar with Jay McShann as he featured heavily in the Clint Eastwood-directed programme. McShann led a big band that was one of the most popular outfits of the 40’s racking up a number of big hits in the process. He became one of the leading exponents of Kansas blues and one of the most famous musicians who popularized the style of the City’s musicians. His piano can still be heard today on the rare live dates he undertakes. This compilation features most of his big R&B chart records with vocals from Julia Lee, Jimmy Witherspoon and Crown Prince Waterford. A real gem of an album, one that will not be out of place in any blues collection.