Album of the Day

The title of a preceding album proclaimed Big Joe Turner to be the boss of the blues; BIG JOE RIDES AGAIN displays Turner's command across several genres. The 1960 Atlantic collection includes jazz greats like tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins in the backing band, and if the tempos don't always qualify as rock 'n' roll, the spirit of Big Joe's boisterous delivery does. The 10 tracks here fit the singer like a glove, from jump blues opener “Switchin' In The Kitchen” to the easy-rollin' roar of “Rebecca” and sly “Here Comes Your Iceman” (both Turner originals) to standards like “Pennies From Heaven” (a BOSS OF THE BLUES outtake featuring pianist Pete Johnson). If you have any affinity for '50s R&B, you'll want to climb on board as BIG JOE RIDES AGAIN.