Walkin' The Blues: The Very Best Of Champion Jack Dupree CD

As a reissue and compilation label, Collectables gets it right most of the time. With this overview of New Orleans piano boss Champion Jack Dupree's early- to mid-'50s sides, they get it right all the way down the line. This set commences with Dupree's period with Brownie McGhee (two tracks of a four-track session credited to Big Tom Collins entitled "Heart Breaking Woman" and "Watching My Stuff"). He had recorded with other labels before King, but it is on these sides that he developed his reputation. The majority of this material was recorded in either New York or Cincinnati from 1953 to 1955. Despite his being in either of these locales, Dupree's New Orleans piano blues style is everywhere evident. Check out "Ain't No Meat on de Bone," with its powerful shuffle and second-line rhythm stride. The deep left-hand rhythmic attack in Dupree's style made his music infectious and gave it a presence and urgency that was all delight. Even on the slower-tempoed tunes, such as the talking blues "Walkin' Upside Your Head," the Crescent City's moaning, honking (Willis Jackson plays tenor saxophone on a number of cuts here), and strolling blues tradition is everywhere evident. The other remarkable thing about this set is that Dupree wrote or co-wrote 17 of the 28 cuts featured. Dupree's talented wife Lucille wrote another ten cuts especially for him. To be sure, this is a testament to a particular kind of technical and emotional blues genius that is seldom recognized as one of the great contributions to the music of the era -- Dupree is better known for his 1960s material. Walkin' the Blues, with its expert track selection, superior sound, and a fine set of liner notes by Victor Pearlin, is an essential purchase not only in the Dupree catalog, but also for any serious shelf of New Orleans and/or piano blues music. ~ Thom Jurek

Former prizefighter 'Champion' Jack Dupree's rowdy sense of humor and impassioned piano playing proved a winning combination during his successful music career. Although he lived in the musically influential cities of Detroit and Chicago, pianist Jack Dupree's music never lost the sound of his hometown, New Orleans. Dupree was one of the first Bluesmen to leave his native country for a more accepting and racially diverse climate when he moved to Paris in 1959. Memorable moments include 'Heart Breaking Woman', 'Watchin' My Stuff' & 'Walkin' Upside Your Head'. Collectables 2003.