Shake Your Money Maker: The Best of the Fire Sessions

• Artist: Elmore James
• Rating:
• Release Date: March 06, 2001
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Blues

Review

An intensely powerful singer and guitarist, Elmore James did not start his recording career until he was 33, and he only lived to be 45, but he made a very strong impact during his dozen years on records. Some of his finest work was cut for the Fire label during 1959-1961, roughly half of which is included on this single CD. Other than a final outburst of selections during February 1963, these were James' last studio sessions, and he is heard at the peak of his powers throughout. Among the best-known performances are the hit "Shake Your Moneymaker," "The Sky Is Crying," and a remake of his famous "Dust My Broom," but all 16 selections are full of passion and fire. This is an essential acquisition for blues collectors, at least until a more complete James on Fire reissue comes out. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Shake Your Moneymaker	Elmore James	Elmore James	(2:35)
Look on Yonder Wall	Elmore James	Elmore James	(2:28)
The Sky Is Crying	Elmore James, Clarence Lewis, Morgan Robinson	Elmore James	(2:49)
Rollin' and Tumblin'	Morgan Robinson	Elmore James	(2:35)
Held My Baby Last Night	Elmore James	Elmore James	(2:52)
I'm Worried	Elmore James, Clarence Lewis, Bobby Robinson	Elmore James	(2:47)
Done Somebody Wrong	Elmore James, Clarence Lewis, Bobby Robinson	Elmore James	(2:22)
Fine Little Mama	Elmore James	Elmore James	(2:36)
Anna Lee	Elmore James	Elmore James	(3:01)
Stranger Blues	Elmore James, Clarence Lewis, Bobby Robinson	Elmore James	(3:16)
Something Inside Me	Elmore James, James Sehorn	Elmore James	(5:03)
Early One Morning	Elmore James, Marshall Sehorn	Elmore James	(2:49)
Sunnyland	Elmore James, Joe Josea	Elmore James and His Broomdusters	(2:22)
Standing at the Crossroads	Elmore James, Joe Josea	Elmore James	(3:01)
My Bleeding Heart	Elmore James, Marshall Sehorn	Elmore James	(3:06)
Dust My Broom	Elmore James, Robert Johnson	Elmore James	(2:55)

Credits

Sam Myers (Harmonica), Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams (Sax (Baritone)), Johnny Acey (Piano), J.T. Brown (Sax (Tenor)), Sammy Lee Bully (Bass), Belton Evans (Drums), Elliott Federman (Mastering), Elmore James (Guitar), Elmore James (Vocals), Elmore James (Main Performer), King Mose (Drums), Odie Payne (Drums), Riff Ruffin (Guitar), Jimmy Spruill (Guitar), Johnny Big Moose Walker (Piano), Jon Broven (Liner Notes), Jon Broven (Photography), Jon Broven (Compilation Producer), Danny Moore (Trumpet), Bill Stafford (Project Coordinator), Elmore James and His Broomdusters (Performer), Bobby Robinson (Original Recording Producer), Dana Renert (Project Coordinator), Rob Santos (Compilation Producer), Stephanie Kika (Project Coordinator), George Adins (Photography), Arlessa Barnes (Project Coordinator), Traci Werbel (Project Coordinator), Jeremy Holiday (Production Coordination), Laura Gregory (Project Coordinator), Robin Manning (Project Coordinator), Larry Parra (Project Coordinator), Brooke Nochomson (Project Coordinator), Laura Dorson (Project Coordinator), Johnny Williams (Drums)