Shuggie Otis

In the wake of Shuggie Otis' rediscovery in 2000, Stardust Records readied In Session, a collection of the artist's session work as a guitarist and bassist. Some of the performers Otis worked with include Richard Berry, Johnny Otis, Big Joe Turner, Louis Jordan, and several others whose work is compiled here. A total of 23 songs fill this collection, supplying plenty of variety. One constant throughout the album, though, is the omnipresent R&B sound. Granted, there's nothing here as extravagant as Otis' own solo work, and In Session isn't exactly the treasure trove you might like it to be. Stardust never tries to convince you otherwise, though, accurately subtitling this album "Great Rhythm & Blues" and compiling recordings that would otherwise be extremely difficult to find. Taking this into consideration, In Session is a welcome addition to Otis' catalog that collectors, in particular, should savor. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide