James Booker New Orleans Piano Wizard: Live! (1977)

Why so much of what pianist/vocalist James Booker recorded in the 1970s didn't surface until the '90s is a mystery, but that's secondary compared to the greatness routinely presented on this CD. It contains nine Booker selections that he performed at the 1977 Boogie Woogie and Ragtime Piano Contest held in Zurich. His relentless, driving style, ability to switch from a hard-hitting tune to a light, soft one without skipping a beat, and wild mix of sizzling keyboard licks and bemused, manic vocals are uniformly impressive. It's a bit short for a CD at 37 minutes, but it has so much flamboyant music and singing that it shouldn't be missed. By Ron Wynn

http://www.allmusic.com/album/new-orleans-piano-wizard-live-r122741

1. On The Sunny Side Of The Street

2. Black Night

3. Keep on Gwine

4. Come Rain Or Come Shine

5. Something Stupid

6. Please Send Me someone To Love

7. Tell Me How You Feel

8. Let Them Talk

9. Come In My House

James Booker (p)