Chess Records !

Jack Ford 
Chess Record # 4858 - June 1954
I Understand / That's All You Gotta Do.

Hot diggity dog ! this is a nice lil' humdinger from Jack Ford. Been after this platter for quite a while, missed out on it a few times but finally managed to get it for an absolute steal .....£8.00 !!!! 
I just love Jacks easy going vocal on this rare slice of Chess Country .
Back in 1951, the Chess Brothers tried to set a Hillbilly Series that lead to 4 records by Harmonica Frank Floyd and by Bob Price, all sides being purchased from Sam Phillips. In 1954, they made a second serious attempt purchasing a number of masters from Stan Lewis. The series was numbered 4800 and Jack Ford opened the way with his first solo record "That's All You Gotta Do"/"I Understand (Just how you feel)" (Chess 4858) was issued in June 1954.

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Jimmy Lee & Johnny Mathis.

Chess Records # 4859 - Sept 1954

Side A - I'm Beginning To Remember

Side B - If You Don't Somebody Else Will

This the very next release after Jack Ford (see above) we get this BIG hit for Jimmy & Johnny'. The A side is the usual country weepie, high vocals and screeching fiddles! OK but nothing compares to the flip! now you ain't gonna get red hot Rockabilly but you do get dual harmony vocals on a steady chugging tune that sounds just perfect and then!!!! you get that pickin' solo by Jimmy Lee Fautheree and wow! there it is just on the edge of Rockabilly but not all the way! just letting you know that he has the chops when it will be needed in a few months time! This was a monster record for the pair but did not lead onto major success which is a real shame!

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Jimmy Lee & Wayne Walker

Chess Records # 4863 - April 1955

Side A - Lips That Kiss So Sweetly

Side B - Love Me

1955 KWKH Radio Station Studio, 509 Market St., Shreveport, LA - (Jimmy Lee Fautheree [vcl/gt], Wayne Walker [vcl/rh gt] + Sonny Trammel [stee], Tillman Franks [bass], D.J.Fontana [drums], Dobber Johnson [fiddle], Floyd Cramer [piano])

005 U-7768 LIPS THAT KISS SO SWEETLY 4863/

006 U-7769 LOVE ME 4863/

Quite frankly! if you want top notch Country Rockabilly then look no further than side Chess 78 masterpiece! The A Side 'Lips That Kiss So Sweetly' is superb! a real country mover & if it was not for the totally brilliant B side this would still be a desirable record! But it's the B side screamer that collectors need! Jimmy and Wayne are simply in a different ball park to all the others trying to climb aboard the rockabilly train with 'Love Me' and they skilfully weave their way through this toe tappin' masterclass in blistering boppery with consummate ease! dual vocals come no better than this! you cannot help but sing along! tap your toes and swing your hips to this one! it is right up there as the pinnacle in monster Rockabilly!