More Boss Black Rockers 4: Koko Joe (Various Artists)

2023 release. Issued under the rightful title, More Boss Black Rockers, The Mojo Man was charged with the (enviable) task of bringing these albums to life. To achieve such an outcome, More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 4: Koko Joe continues it's exploration of Black African American rock 'n' roll by mining deep into the heart of a traditional rhythm and blues scene of 50's America that eventually became rock 'n' roll, where you will hear established artists rubbing shoulders with the obscure. This is merely one segment of the attraction because the sounds blaring from the adjacent speakers is often wild in nature, raw and dangerous, just as it is scintillating, not to mention unhinged rock 'n' roll. Let's face it, it's the kinds of sounds that no doubt left many a jaw gaping as rock 'n' roll was ushered into the world for the very first time upon an innocent public, before evolving into the next big thing and continuing to resonate in the present with an equally feisty presence. Quick, these records are selling fast for that 50's rock 'n' roll! Perusing the lengthy list of rock 'n' roll contenders from the setlist of More Boss Black Rockers Vol. 4: Koko Joe, any attempt to arrive at a favourite makes for an impossible task because, quite simply, there's not a dud in the house. Such realisation dawns once the opening bars of 'Miss Lucy' opens fire with the vocals of Big Al Downing enough to propel this glorious track on it's own! Such charisma continues via the appropriately named 'Rock Roma Rock It' with further impressive vocals, and this time from Scat Man Crothers, to more appropriately named songs for this title marking the dawn of rock 'n' roll via 'Teen Age Machine' by The Travellers. The intensity of rock 'n' roll continues with Chuck Willis' 'Kansas City Woman', Larry Darnell 'Ramblin' Man', Bo Diddley 'I'm Looking For A Woman', before arriving at The Blue Chips' 'The Contest' where the vocals really do the talking! Nathan Olsen-Haines (Koko Mojo Records)

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