James Booker
Junco Partner
Hannibal - 1359
available on Amazon
This solo disc by arguably the most brilliant of New Orleans’ resplendent pianists shows off all the edge and genius he possessed. There may be moments on other discs of slightly more inspired playing (and this is arguable), but for a whole disc this one stands far from the crowd. You can hear some of the most awe inspired playing here that reflects the extremely broad background that he could, and did, draw from. You can hear his classical training and the brilliance of his interpretive skills in Black Minute Waltz. He follows this with a version of Leadbelly’s Good Night Irene, which shows off his raucous bordello style of playing and voice. The disc goes on showing off the eclectic variety of influences that make up this man’s music. This disc also displays the mans prodigious composing and arranging talents. Though he was regarded as eccentric and crazy, even by New Orleans’ accepting standards (he was a flamboyant, black, substance abuser and a homosexual, who spent time both in Angola State Prison and a mental institution), he was considered a musical genius and thus given a certain amount of leeway. Very informative notes by Booker himself (some insight), Joe Boyd (the producer), and George Winston on Booker and his styling. An absolute must if you like New Orleans music.
Produced by Joe Boyd and John Wood
- Black Minute Waltz – 3:10 – Chopin, arr. James Booker III
- Good Night Irene – 5:37 – Huddie Ledbetter
- Pixie – 3:38 - James Booker III
- On The Sunny Side of The Street – 2:31 – Jimmy McHugh/Dorothy Fields
- Make A Better World – 4:52 – Earl King
- Junco Partner – 5:06 – Bob Shad
- Put Out The Light – 3:07 - James Booker III
- Medley – 6:44 – Blues Minuet - James Booker III, Until the Real Thing Comes Along – Trad. arr. James Booker III, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home – Clarence Williams/Charles Warfield
- Pop’s Dilemma – 3:26 - James Booker Jr.
- I’ll Be Seeing You – 2:47 – Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal