Otis Blackwell - These Are My Songs!

All Music Guide

Given that the discography of Otis Blackwell is limited to a scant few items, These Are My Songs takes on great singular historical significance in the annals of rock roll. Blackwell is the author or coauthor of several wellknown hits that launched the careers of many seminal rockers, not the least of whom was Elvis Presley. Blackwell himself can be easily compared to Screamin' Jay Hawkins vocally, while in many ways is near to the sounds of Chuck Berry stylistically. This 1976 recording has Blackwell recreating his songs in the manner of Elvis, his singing paralleling that distinctive hunkahunka drawl. There are also tunes from others who Blackwell wrote for and influenced, with a backup band of musicians who sound much more contemporary in the electric Memphis blues and RB of the Stax studio sound. While based in the soul music of the '50s, this is rock roll at its finest, stoked by high powered beats, the animated singing of Blackwell, and the steel cased guitar work of Gordon Iny...ard. Though Blackwell is depicted on the album cover playing piano, he does not play keyboards on the recording, leaving that to Chris Townes. While the band itself is relatively undistinguished, they provide plenty of propulsion and fire to keep Blackwell's fires burning. Read more Less