Bossa Nova and Grits

 

(Vampi Soul, 2015) If you make a compilation of magical, desperate, throbbing, funny, perfect R&B from the Federal and King labels circa the late 50s and early 60s obviously it will be god level. Every label should just do this instead of other stuff. Wynonie Harris, Little Willie John, Roy Brown and Amos Milburn all demonstrate their canonized greatness, but some of the hottest shots here are from lesser lights, (like Little Joe Washington's absurd title track). Young John Watson's "Space guitar," Juanita Nixon's "Stop Knockin'" and The Lamplighters' "Be-Bop Wino" should all be on your must listen bucket list.