A musical pastiche
of roots Americana

Jerry Douglas, Lookout For Hope, Sugar Hill Records.

Dobro player Jerry Douglas is perhaps the world’s leading exponent of the Dobro. His new disc smashes the boundaries between bluegrass, country, jazz, folk and classical sounds. Douglas refuses to be pigeonholed and so has created his own niche within the wide-reaching framework of roots Americana acoustic music. Douglas’s solo work is emotional and precise, with economical phrasing and melodic maturity, the likes of which has impressed some hardcore jazz fans. Jerry Douglas is a splendidly talented musician and Lookout For Hope is stunning. www.jerrydouglas.com.

The Kings of Rhythm Featuring Ike Turner, The Sun Sessions, Varese Sarabande Records.

Though much maligned over the years as the abusive husband of Tina Turner, Ike Turner is truly one of the fathers of rock ‘n roll and Rhythm & Blues and these are some of his earliest sessions, recorded in Memphis at Sam Phillips’ Sun Records Studio. Although other singers handle most of the lead vocals, Turner’s guitar and piano work is always evident, setting the pace. This is seminal R&B by a man who deserves a fate better than the one he has been saddled with over the years. www.VareseSarabande.com.

Walter T. Higgs, Just a Few Miles to Go, Doc Blues Records.

One would expect the possessor of a name like Walter T. Higgs to be either a librarian or an accountant. Take my word for it though, there’s nothing cartoonish about Higg’s blues harp playing; it cuts through his exciting band like a knife, with righteous Austin, Texas blues soul. Most of the tunes clock in at less than four minutes, keeping the proceedings short and sweet. If you like classic blues harmonica, this is the place. www.docbluesrecords.com.

Jack McVea, McVoutie’s Central Avenue Blues, Delmark Records.

Jack McVea was a west coast alto and tenor saxist who is nearly forgotten today, but during the post-war period between 1945 and 1950, he was a major figure on the Los Angeles scene, blowing in various ensembles, scoring a hit with “Open The Door, Richard” and producing music that straddled the boundaries of swing and R&B. Although McVea doesn’t appear on every track here, his sometimes booting and occasionally graceful solos enliven tracks featuring vocalists Rabon Tarrant and Wynonie Harris, perhaps the most successful of the early R&B shouters. This one is for traditional jazz fans. www.delmark.com.

Duke Ellington, Secret Ellington, True Life Jazz Records.

In 1958, Duke Ellington, with help from Billy Strayhorn and lyricist Herb Martin, wrote a full score for a proposed Broadway production titled “Saturday Laughter.” When the producers failed to get financial backing, the show was abandoned and with it went the Ellington compositions, which lay dormant until they were rediscovered in 1999. Secret Ellington finally brings to life 12 of these songs, brilliantly played and sung by jazz veterans like Joe Beck, Freddy Cole, Joe Lovano, Grover Washington, Jr. and many more. The music is primarily ballads, with some exploratory jazz improvisation mixed in. Recommended for the Ellington completist.