Big Jay McNeely / Jay McShann / Camille Howard / Bobby Parker
Mid-Western Jump - Vee-Jay Blues / R&B Collection Volume 2
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1984 Japan pressing without Obi. Mid-Western Jump - compilation offers a dynamic snapshot of mid-century American rhythm and blues, spotlighting the influential artists who shaped the soundscape of postwar jump blues. Big Jay McNeely’s honking tenor saxophone leads the listener through a charged, danceable atmosphere, while Jay McShann’s Kansas City piano roots anchor the collection in the blues tradition. Camille Howard, renowned for her energetic boogie-woogie piano runs and soulful vocals, injects an infectious enthusiasm into the set. Bobby Parker’s searing guitar work foreshadows the coming wave of electric blues and early rock and roll. The album is a testament to Vee-Jay Records’ pivotal role in documenting and promoting the evolution of R&B, making it essential listening for both enthusiasts and scholars delving into classic blues history.