Personnel: James Booker (piano); Norman Beaker (guitar); Dave Lunt (bass guitar); Mike Smith (drums).
Before critics crowned Elton John the piano man, there was James Booker, a prolific bluesman who struck the keys like a classically trained musician on a bender. This rare live recording won't do much for those who've never heard Booker before, but for completists, it's a must-have. And the grooves on the "Rip It Up/ Long Tall Sally" medley alone can give the Rocket Man a run for his money.