Producer Esmond Edwards is to be commended for this unique 1960 session, the first of two for the Prestige/Bluesville label by Arkansas-born, Chicago-based blues singer and harmonica ace Shakey Jake Harris (1921-90). Rather than present Jake in a typically raucous blues-band setting. Edwards teamed him with organ great Jack McDuff and the underheralded Bill Jennings, a guitarist known for his work with the groups of Louis Jordan, Wild Bill Davis, and others. Although Jake came from a different musical environment than did the two jazzmen, they all shared a deep feeling for the blues. The result is distinctively laid back, and ultimately haunting.

with Jack McDuff, Bill Jennings