High quality sides by one of the iconic singers and musicians of Memphis blues and boogie, Doctor Ross, recorded when he was part of the small group scene, renowned for his prowess as a harmonica player and vocalist! Contains all the Chess and Sun singles and the unissued songs recorded by Sam Phillips (Sun Records) in the early 1950s, including the famed 'Chicago Breakdown'! Also contains all the DIR, Fortune and Hi-Q singles made in Michigan, including the equally renowned 'Cat Squirrel'! The booklet contains rare photographs, and liner notes by Martin Hawkins! Isaiah Ross was born in Mississippi, made his reputation as a bluesman in Memphis, then moved to Michigan emerging occasionally to perform as a one-man band. Doctor Ross was not the first to use the theme of the musical medic come to help you feel better, but Doctor Ross was one of the very best at creating highly rhythmic back country dance music and at recycling folk blues couplets mainly drawn from the recordings of Sonny Boy Williamson to which he added some of his own wry humour and wit. From the beginning with Sam Phillips in Memphis, his style on Chess and Sun had a freshness that sounded current and he made a surprisingly wide range of blues recordings on the Detroit labels DIR, Fortune, and Hi-Q. Sam Phillips (Sun Records) once said: 'Doctor Ross had a very special sound. He had a great command of his music and a real instinct for what was going on around him. 'Chicago Breakdown' is one of the better records I think I ever heard in my life.'
D**E
Dr. Ross: blues hero
Although these cuts were recorded from 1952 to 1988, Dr. Isaiah Ross's sense of rhythm is timeless and infectious. In these high quality cuts (32) you get to hear Ross's amazing one-man-band work. Ross's ability to multitask on vocal, harmonica, guitar, bass drum and high hat is rich and will get you moving. Dr. Ross is my new blues hero.
R**E
Most Excellent!
I have been hoping for a thorough overview of Dr. Ross' recording career and this is it! Once again Bear Family has come through with flying colors...not only do we get a fairly complete remastered issue of the good Doctor's early works but the accompanying booklet is great too...My motto is when in doubt, go Bear Family!
D**G
Doctor Isaiah Ross was absolutly amazing!
This cd is all that I had hoped for and more. Doctor Ross playing harmonica, bass drum, guitar and high hat with ease and putting out some incredible blues! Don't hesitate about buying this one.
R**T
Five Stars
Very good
