The CD starts with a moody, slow stroller, “Rain” which features some fine piano and sax playing. The tempo shifts up a gear with the next two tracks that give this CD its name, “The Honey Jump Parts 1 and 2”. Both tracks showcase the fine musicianship that Oscar could call on. Track four, “All That Oil In Texas” is a fast jiver that really swings. “Be Cool My Heart” is lovely ballad with a heartfelt vocal that is complimented nicely with some cool sax playing and backing vocals. “Lolly Pop” is the same song that was later recorded by Louis Jordan and is sometimes referred to as “(Crazy ‘Bout) Lolly Pop”. Like the later version, this is a good jiver. It’s back to the ballads with track seven, “Falling In Love With You” is a nice song for all the romantics out there. “Mama Don’t Like” is a good swing number with a jazzy feel. “What You Call ‘Em, Joe?” keeps the rocking mood going and this continues with tracks ten and eleven, “Wiggle Toe” and “Hot Banana”. “Love Me Tonight” is definitely more of a stroller. It’s back to jiving with “Take Your Shoes Off Pop” at track thirteen. Track fourteen, “Dig That Crazy Santa Claus” should be included in any rockin’ Christmas set. The next three tracks, “Hey Lolly Lolly”, “Pretty Girl” and “Eternal Love” are all good up-tempo rockers for any time of the year! Track eighteen, “Convicted” is a rather dramatic ballad as Oscar pleads guilty to loving a lady who has clearly stollen his heart. 

Oscar first came to the notice of UK rock and roll fans in the late 1970s when the classic, fast rocker, “Roll, Hot Rod, Roll” (track nineteen) became available and was being played by all the DJs on the rockin’ scene. “Got Your Love In My Heart” is a stroller with a “big band sound”. 

Oscar clearly liked to mix his rocking numbers with heartfelt ballads like track twenty-one “The Penalty”. Another big band production. The next two songs “Here I Am” and “Say” are in a similar vein. “Hey Girl – Hey Boy” is a novelty pop rocker with a great beat from 1958. Jeanette Baker helps out with vocals. The flip side of that 45 on the Class Label is “Let Me Know, Let Me Know”, a great double sider. “The Rock-A-Cha” sees Oscar singing with a lady by the name of Annette who is actually Jeanette Baker. The flip side of that Class 45, “Let’s Get Together” has the same pop rocker feel to it. Track twenty-eight is a re-recording of “Convicted” which is followed by another ballad, “My Heart Speaks”. The final two tracks are from 1960 when they were issued on the Class label. “The Honey Jump” is great jiver whereas “Call It Love” is more of a stroller.

Dave Penny has put together a most enjoyable collection of Oscar McLollie’s recordings and as usual with Dave’s work, the sleeve notes are very informative. Even if you have some of these tracks already, I recommend you get a copy of the CD.

As usual with Jasmine it is great value for money. You can buy it direct from Jasmine at Oscar McLollie – Honey Jumpin’, 1953-1960 – Jasmine Records

Jailhouse John Alexander