James Booker - Ivory Emperor 1954-1962 Sides

Release Date 2021

Known as the Piano Prince of New Orleans, the great 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 collectors CD release includes all of the singles Booker made as a leader in the beginning of his career, between 1954 and 1962, for different labels such as Imperial, Chess, Ace, and Peacock. The set also contains additional sides from other terrific artists featuring James Booker as a sideman. These wonderful numbers form the building blocks of Booker’s legendary musical legacy. "The best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced". Dr. John

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.