Jimmy McCracklin formed the first line-up of his BLUES BLASTERS in 1946, with guitarist Robert Kelton, who was replaced by Lafayette Thomas in 1949.The band carved out a well earned reputation initially in the Bay Area and then throughout the US. This compilation anthologises McCracklin’s earliest recordings, between 1945-51, including pre-Blues Blasters sides, for a wide raft of different record labels.
It is the prequel to another Jimmy McCracklin Jasmine 2-CD set, “Hear My Story” (JASMCD3080), which picked up his recording career from 1952.

DISC ONE
1. MISS MATTIE LEFT ME
2. MEAN MISTREATED LOVER
3. HIGHWAY 101
4. BABY DON’T YOU WANT TO GO
5. ACHIN’ HEART
6. STREET LOAFIN’ WOMAN
7. YOU DECEIVED ME
8. OLA MAY
9. SHE’S A WINO
10. ROCK AND RYE (part 1)
11. ROCK AND RYE (part 2)
12. YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE
13. SPECIAL FOR YOU
14. ROCK AND RYE
15. MISS MINNIE LEE BLUES
16. BAD LUCK AND TROUBLE
17. RAILROAD BLUES
18. JIMMY’S BLUES
19. PLAYIN’ ON ME
20. BIG FOOT MAMA
21. WHEN I’M GONE
22. SOUTH SIDE MOOD (inst)
23. LISTEN WOMAN
24. I CAN’T UNDERSTAND LOVE
25. BAD CONDITION BLUES
26. BLUES BLASTERS SHUFFLE (inst)
27. LOW DOWN MOOD
DISC TWO
1. SHE’S MY BABY
2. LOVE WHEN IT RAINS
3. YOUR HEART AIN’T RIGHT
4. JUST WON’T LET HER GO
5. ROCKIN’ ALL DAY (Reelin’ And Rockin’)
6. I THINK MY TIME IS HERE
7. DECEIVIN’ BLUES
8. BEER DRINKIN’ WOMAN
9. UP AND DOWN BLUES
10. GOTTA CUT OUT
11. BAD HEALTH BLUES
12. YOU DECEIVED ME
13. RAGGED AS A MOP (Hamburger Joint)
14. DON’T MISTREAT ME (My Life Depends On You)
15. GONNA FIND ANOTHER WOMAN
16. LOOKING FOR A WOMAN
17. YOU DON’T LOVE ME
18. I’M GONNA HAVE MY FUN
19. TRUE LOVE BLUES
20. ROCKIN’ MAN
21. WHAT’S YOUR PHONE NUMBER
22. THAT’S LIFE
23. BLUES FOR THE PEOPLE (Melancholy Evening) (inst)
24. I FOUND THAT WOMAN (Blues For The People)
25. HOUSE ROCKIN’ BLUES
26. MOVIN’ ON DOWN THE LINE
27. I AM TIRED