BBC Broadcasts 1965-66

Description

What set Long John Baldry apart from the pack of British R&B singers in the mid-sixties was the breadth and depth of his knowledge of the blues. He had been a fixture on the Soho folk, jazz and skiffle scene since 1955, when at the age of 14 he learned to play Leadbelly numbers on the guitar. He worked with all the British R&B greats: Alexis Korner, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, Davey Graham, Cyril Davies, before becoming a bandleader himself. Across 46 quality tracks, mostly recorded for BBC radio, Rhythm And Blues explores the material performed by Baldry’s early outfits, the R&B/soul revue that was Steampacket, where he shared vocals with Rod Stewart and Julie Driscoll, and the jazz ‘n’ blues of the Hoochie Coochie Men and Bluesology (featuring Elton John on piano). John loved to perform and this album captures him live during what was the most significant portion of his career. And it does not disappoint. The album also features Working Ensemble, Blue Flames, Vernon Girls, Ensemble with Eric Burdon and Brian Auger & The Trinity.