Louis Jordan - 1940-1941 {The Chronological Classics, 663} (1992)

The second in the Classics label's CD series that reissues all of Louis Jordan's early recordings features the masterful entertainer with his Tympani Five in the period that directly preceded his great commercial successes. Although most of these 26 selections (including "Somebody Done Hoodooed the Hoodoo Man," "After School Swing Session," "Saxa-Woogie" and "De Laff's On You") are quite obscure, the playing by the group is quite infectious and enjoyable. Singers Daisy Winchester and Mabel Robinson are heard on the Mar. 13, 1940 session for a song apiece, but otherwise, the focus is on Jordan and his fine band, which features tenor saxophonist Kenneth Hollon and several trumpeters, including (on one date) Freddy Webster. Recommended to listeners who want to hear more Louis Jordan than just his hit records.

Tracks:

01. You've Got to Go When the Wagon Comes (2:31)
02. Lovie Joe (2:47)
03. Somebody Done Hoodooed the Hoodoo Man (2:42)
04. Bounce the Ball (Do Da Dittle Um Day) (2:44)
05. Penthouse in the Basement (2:36)
06. After School Swing Session (Swinging with Symphony Sid) (2:39)
07. Oh Boy, I'm in the Groove (2:50)
08. Never Let Your Left Hand Know What Your Right Hand's Doin' (3:05)
09. Don't Come Crying on My Shoulder (2:32)
10. Waitin' for the Robert E. Lee (2:34)
11. A Chicken Ain't Nothin' But a Bird (2:38)
12. Pompton Turnpike (3:11)
13. Do You Call That a Buddy? (3:16)
14. I Know You (I Know What You Wanna Do) (2:33)
15. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie (2:58)
16. The Two Little Squirrels (Nuts to You) (2:28)
17. T-Bone Blues (3:11)
18. Pan-Pan (2:54)
19. St. Vitus Dance (2:52)
20. Saxa-Woogie (2:41)
21. Brotherly Love (Wrong Ideas) (3:00)
22. De Laff's on You (2:53)
23. Boogie Woogie Came to Town (3:10)
24. John, Stop Teasing Me (3:03)
25. How 'Bout That? (2:56)
26. Teacher (How I Love My Teacher) (2:41)