Manchester 77

The Manchester musician and promoter, Dave Lunt remembers arriving at the Hotel the October evening in 1977 when these recordings were made, having persuaded himself that they would be lucky if only a few punters turned out. In fact, the place was packed. Booker was not only known to blues and jazz aficionados but he had appeared on albums by Billie Preston Aretha Franklin, Maria Maldaur, Dr John, King Kurtis and on solo albums by Ringo Starr and John Lennon. His single 'Gonzo' was a favorite of the Northern Soul fans. All of this, coupled with a fine preview in the previous night's Manchester Evening News, set the stage for a large, enthusiastic and appreciative crowd. As can be heard on this CD, Booker brought to Manchester all of what was great in New Orleans jazz and R & B. The styles of Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Champion Jack Dupree, Professor Longhair and of course the brilliance of James Carroll Booker. Before critics crowned Elton John the piano man, there was James Booker, a prolific bluesman who struck the keys like a classically trained musician on a bender. This rare live recording is a must-have. And the grooves on the 'Rip It Up/ Long Tall Sally' medley alone can give the Rocket Man a run for his money