This second volume of
Parker's best for the Duke label, while leaving off early classics like "I Wanna Ramble," still delivers on a pile of great early and late tunes for the Houston-based label. Kicking off with the jump blues "Please Baby Blues" and the
Howlin' Wolf-like "Can't Understand" from a 1953 session, the early sides vacillate between small rhythm sections with
Pat Hare on guitar, to larger ensembles pointing toward
Parker's musical future. The early sides reach their peak with the inclusion of "Pretty Baby," recorded in 1956, and
Parker's version of
Wolf's first single "Riding in the Moonlight." But in two years' time,
Junior is recording more R&B-style material like "Barefoot Rock," "You're On My Mind," and culminating in "Annie Get Your YoYo" in 1961. "Get Away Blues" from 1965 and "Man or Mouse" from the following year complete the package. As always,
Parker's smooth-as-silk voice and
Sonny Boy-derived harp playing carry the day, making a strong case for him as a major mover and shaker on the blues scene during this period.
–
Cub Koda, Rovi