Louis Jordan is the missing link between the big bands and rock. Chuck Berry would have been different without him, just as Beatles and Stones would be different without Chuck. Keith Richards made that CB comment, as I recall. Nothing new under the sun, only new combinations. The movements, jive and stories of Jordan's songs pointed the way for CB. Louis' most famous track from a "soundie," the precursor to music videos (MTV was NOT first). There were juke boxes in bars with these films: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRqG...ext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AnMQOrb3pk9UFGxeM_Vi5v There are similarities to CB's Havana Moon & Anthony Boy in this, one of my faves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbjz5UpJeu4 Speaking of boxes, anyone who thinks this is great, should check out Louis Jordan's 9 CD Let the Good Times Roll box on Bear Family (Germany.) Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Bing Crosby appear. I own hundreds of boxes and this is one of the BEST. Joe Jackson did Jack, You're Dead and What's the Use in Getting Sober. Early in the Morning was covered on Nilsson Schmilsson. BB King did Let the Good Times Roll.
Of course, if I studied with Airto, my original axe was drums, which evolved into percussion. I played guitar, but haven't in a few years. I still own one, but my vanity in liking longer nails, and the lack of calluses now, cause me not to play. Most of my writing is on keyboards. I had pianos in three of my houses for 25 years. My then spouse played. I noodled.
Of course, if I studied with Airto, my original axe was drums, which evolved into percussion. I played guitar, but haven't in a few years. I still own one, but my vanity in liking longer nails, and the lack of calluses now, cause me not to play. Most of my writing is on keyboards. I had pianos in three of my houses for 25 years. My then spouse played. I noodled.
