Vintage Voola

Esquerita, one of the most mysterious figures in '50s rock, remains such an enigma that even his real name is in dispute. Still, he's clearly one of the most bizarre and fascinating figures of that decade, and this 10-track compilation, which includes a bonus interview with his protege and/or inspiration Little Richard, is perfect for the curious. (The 28-track ROCKIN' THE JOINT, collecting all of the man's '50s recordings, is more thorough, but contains a fair amount of chaff.)
Some claim that Esquerita taught Little Richard all he knows, and the moans, shrieks and chants, along with the funky-but-weird piano rockers, sound like an unholy marriage of Richard and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and possibly even more unhinged than either. "Rockin' the Joint" and "Oh Baby" in particular are plain wiggy. If you like the unusual in rock, you'll like Esquerita.