Rosco Gordon was one of the original Memphis Beale Streeters and put out a ton of singles in the 50's and 60's across labels like Chess, Sun, Flip and Vee-Jay. People like Elvis, Jerry Lee and even early Jimi covered his songs. But he somehow ended up in Rego Park, Queens New York, which is where he was living when he was approached to record "No Dark In America" in the late 90's. It took five years of sessions, with many tracks being built around Rosco's solo piano tracks. It was eventually released in 2004 and it has been a favorite of mine ever since.
Thanks to some scrolling on Instagram, I found out that this baby was reissued on a lovely 2-LP set, very quietly I might add, by Dualtone Records.
I love that this album is out again!
This is not your standard rhythm and blues record. Gordon's playing is unique, sounding like a cross between Fats Domino and Thelonious Monk, though that just may be due to Gordon's warped piano. (The whole story could be found on the inner gatefold of this new reissue.)
The arrangements, though traditional at the root, have just enough edge, strangeness and off the wall charm, to make this album special.
Take these selections out for a spin and if you dig them, you will dig all of "No Dark In America."
5 comments:
Damn!!
Thanks for hipping me to Roscoe Gordon.
Enjoying the hell out of him right noe!
peace
John
In the '80's, I found Rosco on Charly Records reissues of his early SUN sides. He was a major, if not widely known talent. His 1950's hits, and offbeat piano style, heard on the radio in Jamaica, contributed to the invention of Ska.
Here is a rare record from 1970, which I used to fantasize being covered by Bryan Ferry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCvj9OnZQOo&ab_channel=soulmarcosa
"That's What You Do To Me" is one of his early singles. Here's his SUN version from the mid '50's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZGmDSUgbsI&ab_channel=RoscoGordon-Topic
And who can forget "Let's Get High"?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIywYCDdfUU&ab_channel=RoscoGordon-Topic
Man, these songs are GOOD!
I’d had this in the get around y to listening to pile for a long time. No more: what a wonderful album, such variety in styles, all played consummately. Underrated would be a gross understatement
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