Additional information
Personnel: Screamin' Jay Hawkins (vocals, piano). Liner Note Author: Bill Millar. Recording information: Associated Recording Studio, New York, NY (01/10/1955-12/??/1969); Club Amigo, Hollywood, CA (01/10/1955-12/??/1969); Fine Studio, New York, NY (01/10/1955-12/??/1969); Ho (01/10/1955-12/??/1969); New York, NY (01/10/1955-12/??/1969). Photographers: Bill Millar; Norbert Hess; Brian Smith ; Richard Weize. The non-sequential sessions featured in this two-disc set yield such prototypical Screamin' Jay Hawkins songs as "She Put the Whammee on Me," while a re-recording of "I Put a Spell on You" is also included. The second disc combines two albums, from 1969 and 1970. Originally issued as WHAT THAT IS! and SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS, they were previously amalgamated as FEAST OF THE MAU MAU. Production techniques and studio ambiance may have changed over time, but Hawkins' persona remains an entity unique unto itself. While he will always be remembered for his faux-voodoo inclinations and wild stage act, this compilation makes clear that Hawkins had wide-ranging influences--everything from opera and cabaret to blues and pop. The accompanying 36-page booklet offers detailed notes, a discography, and many photos.
