Ike Turner

Given his long and sometimes controversial career, it's easy to forget that Ike Turner began simply as a bluesman. This collection pulls together many blues recordings from his early days, starting with piano-based blues originals from the early '50s and moving with loose chronology into his fiery RnB numbers. Spirited takes of "Cubano Jump" and "All the Blues, All the Time" make it a quality collection, varied with curious numbers like the warbling, nearly surf-style instrumental "Cuban Getaway."