Pee Wee King • Essential Recordings 2CD
Essential Recordings is a superb 2CD collection bringing together 40 original recordings by Pee Wee King, the innovative and pioneering artist who became a true legend of Western Swing. King's music brought together Country, Western Swing, Waltz and Boogie influences with a distinctive dance-band feel, making him an important figure in the development of the sound. This generous double-disc set provides an excellent introduction to his remarkable body of work, with two discs packed with classic recordings.
The collection features some of King's best-known and most enduring recordings, including Rag Mop, Tennessee Waltz, Blue Suede Shoes, Slow Poke, Bonaparte's Retreat, Steel Guitar Rag and San Antonio Rose. There's plenty of instrumental and dance-oriented material too, from A Mighty Pretty Waltz and Waltz Of The Alamo to Railroad Boogie, Chew Tobacco Rag, Woodchopper's Ball and Seven Come Eleven. The second disc also brings together a particularly varied selection including Busybody, Indian Giver, Southland Polka, Kentucky Waltz and Farewell Blues, demonstrating just how broad King's musical palette could be.
For anyone interested in the roots of Western Swing, Country and early American dance music, Pee Wee King Essential Recordings is an excellent addition to the collection. With 40 tracks spread across two CDs, it offers substantial listening and a fascinating overview of an artist whose pioneering approach helped shape Western Swing. A particularly worthwhile set for collectors who enjoy the meeting point between Country, Swing, Boogie and classic American popular music.
