Known as the Piano Prince of New Orleans, James Booker was one of the cornerstones and most colourful characters in the Crescent City. He was a distinctive keyboardist who mixed R&B, gospel, blues, boogie-woogie, and traditional & modern jazz into a uniquely funky and breathtaking sound. This CD includes all of the singles Booker made as a leader in the beginning of his career for different labels such as Imperial, Chess, Ace, and Peacock. 

THE BANDS: James Booker - piano, organ, and occasional vocals, plus: Lee Allen (tenor sax), Robert Parker (alto sax), Alvin Red Tyler (baritone sax), Frank Fields (bass), Earl Palmer, Charles Hungry Williams (drums), among others. Recorded in New Orleans, Houston, and Chicago, between 1954 and 1962.

1. Doin' the Hambone

2. Thinkin' About My Baby

3. You're Near Me

4. Heavenly Angel

5. Teen Age Rock

6. Gonzo

7. Cool Turkey

8. Smacksie

9. Kinda Happy

10. Tubby

11. Tubby (pt. 2)

12. Cross MY Heart

13. Big Nick

14. Open The Door- JOE TEX

15. Dear Angel- AMOS MILBURN

16. If I Could Be With You- AMOS MILBURN

17. You're On My Mind- LITTLE JR. PARKER

18. The Next Time- LITTLE JR. PARKER

19. Yeah Yeah- DAVE BARTHOLOMEW

20. I'm Old Enough- SHIRLEY & LEE

21. Together We Stand- SHIRLEY & LEE

22. The Duck- EARL FOREST

23. The Crown- EARL FOREST

24. Always A First Time- EARL KING

25. Love Me Now- EARL KING