The Blazes were journeymen musicians, who had played in and around the Chicago club scene since 1940, though they didn't score a national hit until 1952, with "Mary Jo." Written by bassist/singer Tommy Braden, who didn't actually join the Blazes until 1950, it epitomized their blues-influenced jazz sound: walking bass, clean guitar tone, honking sax over blues progressions. However, it was a sound rooted in an earlier era, and was swept away by the tides of rock 'n roll, in spite of the superior musicianship of professionals such as the Blazes. "Jelly" Holt was the founder and drummer in the group, while Floyd McDaniel and "Shorty" Hill played guitars. (Floyd stayed active in music throughout his life including the 1991 album Let Your Hair Down! and the 1994 recording West Side Baby.) With special guest Eddie Chamblee on tenor sax. Read more...

Considering the nostalgic significance now given to even the most obscure R&B acts of the '40s and '50s, it's surprising that the Four Blazes remain virtually unknown to modern listeners. Suave, danceable, and impeccably played, many of the songs on Mary Jo are on par with the best records of the day, and the stunning sound quality belies their early-'50s recording date. Lead singer Tommy Braden sounds like a tonier Wynonie Harris, able to perform racy R&B material and sympathetic ballads equally well. The only real argument that can be leveled against the group is that they rarely stray from the sensible bop of the title track, but since their sound owes as much to the Ink Spots as the Dominoes, this only makes sense, and the exotic cadence of "All Night Long" and the later cuts, with their snapping, T-Bone Walker-style lead guitar, manage to break the mold.

Paul Says: "I love this record. Sure to get you feeling groovy anytime!"