Lowell Fulson - Blues & Rhythm Series 5164: The Chronological Lowell Fulson 1949-1951 (2005)

Mixing blues with early R&B and what could pass for proto-rock & roll, and with just enough jazz touches thrown in, Lowell Fulson worked from a wider and more varied palette than the country bluesmen whose basic styles first influenced him. This fourth installment in Classics' chronological survey of Fulson's complete recorded work focuses on his Swing Time Records sessions between 1949 and 1951, a peak time for Fulson, who had hooked up with pianist and arranger Lloyd Glenn and alto saxophonist Earl Brown, both of whom would play large roles in giving Fulson's records versatility and vitality. Included here is "Blue Shadows" (a R&B chart-topper in 1950), the striking and somber "Ain't Nobody's Business," the two-part "Lonesome Christmas," and the bright and unassuming guitar instrumental called "Guitar Shuffle." Fulson was far from a one-dimensional blues player, and this fine set nicely shows off his range. ~Steve Leggett