Rpm

B.B. King - "Here's One You Didn't Know About": from the RPM & Kent Vaults (2015) {Ace Records CDTOP1457 rec 1954-1962}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 413 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 191 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 73 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1954-62, 2015 Modern Records / Ace Records | CDTOP 1457
Blues / Modern Electric Blues / Soul Blues / Early R&B / Memphis Blues

The great bluesman B.B. King, who died in 2015, was one of the few artists whose every note was of interest. This 25-track CD of mostly previously unissued recordings are drawn from his sessions for Modern Records between 1954 and 1962. Be Careful Baby is a rare thing a B.B. King song that has never been released before in any version, while two tracks appeared on Ace's 2014 RPM compilation Speak Easy. The version of Catfish Blues is from a completely different session to the familiar issued version and from B.B.'s commentary appears to be the version he played on the road. There are many comments from B.B. and the band which provide an insight into the recording process and B.B.'s relaxed and informal manner in the studio. The CD ends with a previous unheard interview, recorded backstage at the Fillmore Ballroom in San Francisco with radio station KSAY at the 10/10 spot on your dial. All tracks are from the original master tapes.

Various Artists - Speak Easy: The RPM Records Story Volume 2, 1954-1957 (2014) {2CD Set, Ace Records CDTOP2 1421}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 567 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 347 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 45 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1954-57, 2014 RPM Records / Ace Records | CDTOP2 1421
Blues / Rhythm & Blues / Rock & Roll

As proof that Ace remains committed to the music that helped build its reputation as a foremost archivist of vintage R&B, this month we bring you our second package chronicling the output of Modern’s longest-running subsidiary of the 1950s, RPM. “Speak Easy” joins the RPM catalogue at the end of 1953 – the point where we left it on the first volume – and carries on through to the label’s final releases of late 1957. Although the focus is primarily on blues and R&B, a smattering of pop and rockabilly is also included. Every one of the important artists to record for RPM is heard on at least one selection – more in the case of bigger names such as B.B. King.

Various Artists - No More Doggin': The RPM Records Story Volume 1, 1950-1953 (2014) {2CD Set, Ace Records CDTOP2 1406}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 520 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 346 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 40 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1950-53, 2014 RPM Records / Ace Records | CDTOP2 1406
Blues / Rhythm & Blues

This time last year Ace released its first comprehensive overview of one of the many subsidiaries of the Bihari brothers’ Modern Music Company. Having dealt with the R&B releases on Flair, we now turn our attention to other labels within the Modern family – starting with RPM, the longest-running of the subsidiaries. It wasn’t possible to present a comprehensive overview of the label’s activities within the confines of one 2CD set. Thus we end this volume at the end of 1953 – roughly the halfway point in the label’s life. It’s a convenient point at which to make a break because, with the exception of B.B. King, none of the artists featured here continued their association with RPM beyond that time.