Big Jay McNeely was an R&B saxophonist, whose music ran the gamut of R&B styles, from jazz-tinged pieces and pure blues to out-and-out rock ‘n’ roll.

Born on 29 April 1927, in Los Angeles, California, he was famous as one of the leaders in the “honkin’” saxophone style alongside the likes of Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor, King Curtis and Lee Allen, developing a wild stage act as he as he explored every sound the sax could make played in every bizarre position. Inspired by Illinois Jacquet and Lester Young, McNeely teamed with his older brother Robert, who played baritone saxophone, and made his first recordings with drummer Johnny Otis, who ran the Barrelhouse Club that stood only a few blocks from McNeely’s home. Ralph Bass, A&R man for Savoy Records, promptly signed him to a recording contract. Bass’ boss, Herman Lubinsky, suggested the stage name Big Jay McNeely because Cecil McNeely did not sound commercial.

He went on to record for a variety of labels and this 53-track 2-CD collection comprises A & B sides of his singles with his band The Blue Jays on the Savoy, Exclusive, Aladdin, Imperial, Veejay and Swingin’ labels, during this era. It features his R&B No.1 with Deacon’s Hop in 1949 that immediately brought him to public attention, along with his other R&B hits Wild Wig and, from later years There Is Something On Your Mind. On some of his releases he featured vocalists like Clifford Blivens, Ted Shirley, Jesse Belvin, Mercy Dee Walton and Sonny Warner as well as organist Leon Haywood. He was one of the most distinctive R&B artists of the 1950s and this collection is an entertaining trawl across his primary recording career.

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