Jack McVea was one of the most important and vibrant bandleaders of the Los Angeles scene during the exciting periosd when R&B was being born. He led bands that backed T-Bone Walker and Wynonie Harris on some of their earliest recordings, he played with such giants as Charlie Parker, Illinois Jacquet and Lionel Hampton and he had one of the earliest R&B hits..."Open The Door Richard". These four different cds encompass much of McVea's work and include lots of early R&B with characteristic hip vocals, boogie based riffs and great soloists. Here is a breakdown: VOLUME 1 (1944-45)This is the remnants of the swing tradition in Los Angeles with guests Buster Bailey, Bob Mosley & Ram Ramirez. 1. Jump Jack 2. Rainy Day Blues 3. New Worried Life Blues 4. Flying (All The Way) Home 5. Rainy Day Blues 6. Ill Be True 7. Dirty Money Blues 8. Silver Symphony 9. New Deal 10. Scrub, Sweep And Mop 11. Fightin Mama Blues 12. Tarrant Blues 13. Were Together Again 14. It Should Never Have Been This Way 15. O-Kay For Baby 16. O-Kay For Baby 17. I Live True To You 18. Blues All Night 19. Naggin Woman Blues 20. Then Ive Got To Go