Junior Parker - The Mercury Recordings

After a stint with Duke, Junior Parker recorded for Mercury Records and the cream of that association made the final 14 here, which feature Parker on harp and bluesy, whiskey-tenor vocals. The lyrics in Jimmy Reed's "Hey Lawdy Mama" fit Parker's persona to a tee, and the blues wailer probably used it hundreds of times in real situations to snare unsuspecting victims. He's quite the charmer, even when his heart is hurting. "Wish Me Well," a swing jump blues number, sets the stage for craftily arranged songs adorned by spiffy horns. Read More