Fred Jackson - Hootin' 'N Tootin' (1962) [2009 SACD]

Unjustly ignored at the time of its release, Fred Jackson's lone album, Hootin' 'N Tootin', is a thoroughly enjoyable set of funky soul-jazz with hard bop overtones. It is true that Jackson doesn't try anything new on the set, but he proves to be a capable leader, coaxing hot, infectious performances out of guitarist Willie Jones, organist Earl Vandyke and drummer Wilbert Hogan, all of whom were collegues of Jackson in the Lloyd Price band. All of the songs on the album are Jackson originals, and while there are no substantial, memorable melodies, they provide an excellent foundation for the group's smoking interplay. Both the uptempo R&B numbers and the slower blues give the musicians plenty of opportunity to flaunt their chops while working the groove, and the result is a modest but highly entertaining set of earthy, bluesy soul-jazz that should have been heard by a wider audience.


Tracks:

01. Dippin' In The Bag
02. Southern Exposure
03. Preach Brother
04. Hootin' 'N Tootin'
05. Easin' On Down
06. That's Where It's At
07. Way Down Home
08. Stretchin' Out
09. Mr. B.J.
10. Egypt Land
11. Teena
12. On The Spot
13. Minor Exposure
14. Little Freddie

Personnel:

Wilbert G.T. Hogan, drums
Fred Jackson, sax (tenor)
Sam Jones, bass
Willie Jones, guitar
Earl Van Dyke, organ, piano