Tag: Bill Willis

Bethlehem Records

King’s Jazz Legacy: Maxi-Tweets

I am liberating a special series of “maxi-tweets” tied to King Records‘ lesser known jazz legacy that were otherwise buried in a PDF file attachment — part of 2018’s King 75th Birthday Celebration so wonderfully organized by Brian Powers of Cincinnati Public Libraries. The following research was conducted primarily by

August 29, 2019 No Comments

"Fever"

Milt B’s “Mod Popcorn R&B”

Philip Paul‘s stellar stick work really drives this “killer” instrumental version of “Fever” that features organ (Milt Buckner), bass (Bill Willis), and vibes (Gene Redd) — recorded at Cincinnati’s King Studios on March 5, 1963: “Fever” Milt Buckner (1963) Organ: Milt Buckner Drums: Philip Paul Bass: Bill Willis Vibes: Gene

October 12, 2018 No Comments

"Lonesome Whistle Blues"

“Lonesome Whistle Blues”: Train = Pain

Unnamed vocalists perfectly evoke a lonely late night train whistle on Freddy King‘s mournfully swinging “Lonesome Whistle Blues“: “Lonesome Whistle Blues” Freddy King (1961) Freddy King – Guitar & vocalsSonny Thompson – PianoPhilip Paul – DrumsBill Willis – Bass This song was catchy enough (#8 R&B) to cross over into

October 2, 2014 No Comments