Soul on Fire

Product Description:

Personnel: LaVern Baker (vocals); Everett Barksdale (guitar); Haywood Henry (flute, baritone saxophone); Budd Johnson (alto & baritone saxophones); Rudy Powell (alto saxophone); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Romeo Penque (reeds); Taft Jordan (trumpet); Urbie Green (trombone); Ernie Hayes (piano, organ); Mike Stoller, Hank Jones (piano); Eddie Costa (vibraphone); Milt Hinton (bass); Sticks Evans (drums); Stephen Berios (percussion); Jose Martinez (congas); The Gliders (background vocals).

Reissue producer: Yves Beauvais.

Recorded in New York and Los Angeles, California between June 1953 and September 1962.

Digitally remastered by Stephen Innocenzi (June 1991, Atlantic Studios).

This is part of Rhino's Atlantic & Atco Remasters Series.

La Vern Baker was the first great female rock star of the '50s. This anthology of her best work, recorded between 1953 and 1962, with backing provided by the cream of New York City session men, including Bucky Pizarelli and King Curtis, makes a great case for her.

Whether she's singing the slow, gospel-derived "Shake a Hand," barnstorming her way through a rave-up such as "Saved," or having fun with the novelty jump blues that were her initial trademark--"Tweedle Dee," "Bop-Ting-a-Ling," and the often-covered "Jim Dandy"--Baker's sound is unique, a soulful combination of unbridled lungpower and sophisticated phrasing.