Friends: Marc Cohen, John Abercrombie, Clint Houston, Jeff Williams
> Loose Tune

At the time of this recording the only way to describe the innovative playing and execution was “electronic jazz” (no, not nu jazz). Two years later, excess and bloat caused it to be known as “fusion.” Too bad.

Best of Oblivion Records #6 
Legends of the Guitar #5

(requested by Eric: I’m glad Eric got me to make these ‘best of’ choices. It got me listening to the Oblivion stuff more than I had in years.)

Joe Lee Wilson > Jazz Ain’t Nothin’ But Soul

Composed by Norman Mapp

Joe is truly the great, unsung legendary jazz singer. I have slight personal prejudice towards his standard ballads, but this tune was the undeniable radio hit. Joe caught the feeling as perfectly as a diamond crystal for anyone who loves the mainstream of jazz.

Best of Oblivion Records #5 

(requested by Eric)

Johnny Woods > Three O’Clock in the Morning

Composed by [anyone and everyone who’s claimed credit]

Both sides of this recorded-on-the-porch-in-the-Mississippi-Delta single are great, and I already posted the first one, so here’s Side 2.

Best of Oblivion Records #4 

(requested by Eric)

Mississippi Fred McDowell > Someday Baby

Composed by Sleepy John Estes & Fred McDowell

There are so many great tracks on this last recording by Fred that it’s been hard to pick only one, so I figured since we’d heard this song last week, it might be fun to hear it again.

Best of Oblivion Records #3 
Legends of the Blues #1 

(requested by Eric)

Honest Tom Pomposello > (I’m) Watchin’ the TV

Tom was my partner in Oblivion, and recording his first solo album was the reason we started the label in the first place. It took three years, dozens of sessions, and we needed to put out five records ahead of it, but we got there.

Best of Oblivion Records #2 

(requested by Eric)

Charles Walker & The New York City Blues Band > Scratch My Back

Composed by Slim Harpo

A young friend of mine asked for The Best of Oblivion Records, the blues & jazz label I started in the 70s. I’m not at all objective, so it’s hard, but I’ll try.

Slim Harpo might have been the most mellow of the bluesmen, but that didn’t stop harmonica virtuoso Bill Dicey from tearing the speakers of his amp.

Best of Oblivion Records #1 

(requested by Eric)