Shuggie Otis In Session: Great Rhythm & Blues CD

IN SESSION is a compilation of Shuggie Otis' session work as guitarist, bassist and engineer on various classic Rhythm & Blues tracks.

Taken from recordings made during the mid-1970s, IN SESSION features Shuggie Otis playing guitar in his father Johnny Otis's band. Those seeking more of the funky, psychedelic soul found on Otis's excellent INSPIRATION INFORMATION should be forewarned that they won't find it here. This is Otis as a session man, filling out a project called "the Great Rhythm & Blues Oldies" show, spearheaded by his father. The recordings features R&B icons like Louis Jordan and Richard Berry reprising their classic hits (many of which were written or co-written by Otis Sr.). While the tracks don't deliver the kaleidoscopic delights of Shuggie Otis's solo work, IN SESSION is still a satisfying dose of straightforward, soulful `70s R&B.

Although this 2005 collection is credited to Shuggie Otis, the disc is really a compilation of other artists, with Shuggie being the common thread as a session musician. These tracks originate from a 1970s series of records entitled GREAT RHYTHM & BLUES OLDIES, on which R&B performers would revisit past glories. Whether on songs by crooner Richard Berry, jump-blues icon Louis Jordan, or bandleader Johnny Otis (Shuggie's father), Shuggie Otis is there, contributing guitar, bass, and often piano. Those hoping to hear Shuggie's own material will leave empty-handed, but listeners open to hearing an excellent and energetic mix of vintage R&B will be pleasantly surprised.

Compilation Brian Perera, Athan Maroulis.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Recorded at Hawksound Studios, Los Angles, California between 1973 & 1977. Includes liner notes by Athan Maroulis.

Personnel includes: Shuggie Otis (guitar, piano, organ, bass, background vocals); Pee Wee Crayton (vocals, guitar); Louis Jordan (vocals, alto saxophone); Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson (vocals, saxophone); Johnny Otis (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, vibraphone, drums); Charles Brown (vocals, piano, organ); Gatemouth Moore, Amos Milburn, Joe Liggins (vocals, piano); Richard Berry (vocals, keyboards); Roy Milton, Big Joe Turner (vocals); Melvin Wonder (guitar); Clifford Solomon (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Irv Cox, Jack Kelso (tenor saxophone); Big Jim Wynn (baritone saxophone); Bob Mitchell, Mark Johnson (trumpet); Gene Conners (trombone); Larry Reed (piano); Edgar Willis (bass); Hootie Galvan (drums).

Producer: Johnny Otis.

Personnel: Shuggie Otis (guitar, piano, organ, bass guitar); Gatemouth Moore, Joe Liggins, Amos Milburn (vocals, piano); Richard Berry (vocals, keyboards); Delmar Evans, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Pee Wee Crayton, Roy Milton, Big Joe Turner (vocals); Johnny Otis (guitar, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, vibraphone, bass guitar, drums); Melvin Wonder (guitar); Rene Bloch (reeds); Freddy Clark (saxophone); Little Willie Jackson (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Louis Jordan (alto saxophone); Clifford Solomon (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Jack Kelso, Irv Cox (tenor saxophone); Big Jim Wynn (baritone saxophone); Mack Johnson, Bob Mitchell (trumpet); Gene Connors (trombone); John Ewing (brass); Preston Love, Doug Wintz, Melvin Moore (horns); Edgar Willis (bass guitar); Hootie Galvan (drums); Bobby Bloom.