Bobby Lee Trammell Rocks

As part of Bear Family Records’ long-running Rocks series, they have assembled a CD compilation of rockin’ tracks by the artist Bobby Lee Trammell. It contains 32 tracks, mostly recorded in the ’50s and ’60s.

I must admit that I was not aware of this artist before I saw the album, although the name looked familiar. He penned the Rockabilly classic “Shirley Lee”, which Ricky Nelson would later cover. As with anything in the Rocks series, it is an opportunity to learn more about the artist and perhaps discover a gem or two.

Like Wee Willie Harris, whom I reviewed recently, Bobby Lee Trammell appears to have been known for his “outrageous” stage shows. The included booklet gives examples, and it certainly sounds like a wild time. It’s always interesting when a performer has this reputation, because as a listener, you wonder if it translates to the recording. The answer to this question is yes!

My Thoughts

Bobby Lee Trammell was an artist from Arkansas who began in Country music. This album covers his years moving to Rockabilly, with examples of him dabbling in Rhythm and Blues, Blues Rock and Rock ‘n’ Roll. A little like his stage show, the artist appears to have had a chaotic recording career; Laying down tracks on various labels with different musicians. The one consistent is Trammell’s energy and vocal style, a higher tone that is adaptable.

Most of these tracks are solely credited to Trammell as a writer, a sign he was extremely prolific. His lack of lasting success becomes surprising at this point, as many of these compositions had huge potential. His big voice, coupled with blasting guitar riffs and the sometimes overloaded sound of recordings from that era. Take “Shirley Lee” as a starting point, an unmatched performance backed by the unmistakable sound of James Burton. The musicians differ, but Trammell’s prescience is solid.

Bobby Lee Trammell was clearly inspired and influenced by the popular sounds of the era. There is a familiarity to his music that locks into the conventions of the genres he’s performing, with the odd extra flourish. My personal favourites include his vocal performance on “I Sure Do Love You Baby”, “You The Mostest Girl”, the Chuck Berry style of “I Love ‘Em All” and the full sound of “Shimmy Lou”, among many others.

One theme I noticed used regularly throughout is the idea of the dance craze; From the Arkansas Twist to Sally Twist, Tator and beyond. There are a large number of tracks that begin with “I got a new dance and it goes like this”, a sign that the artist understood the power of a fad or an emerging trend. Far from throwaway, they’re decent dance numbers that evoke a time and place. I was very taken with Toolie Frollie, an upbeat number with Trashmen-style vocal effects.

The last three tracks on the album derive from the 1970s, when Trammell had moved to recording Country music. Alongside a cover of Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On are two re-recordings of Shirley Lee (Known as Jenny Lee) and You’re The Mostest.

A Little Something Extra…

The theme for the Rocks series remains the same timeless formula: a nicely printed digipak with the CD inside. There is also a 36-page booklet compiled and annotated by Arkansas music expert Alex Petrauskas. The liner notes help to provide a little more context to the artist and enhance the music. Alongside the writing are rare photographs and illustrations. There is also a discography towards the end, helping to give information on places, dates and personnel.

Conclusion

Bear Family Records has assembled a compilation that pays tribute to the talents of Bobby Lee Trammell. It allows expansion beyond “Shirley Lee” and showcases a performer whose stage performances possibly overshadowed the talents of his recorded output. A number of these tracks deserve reappraisal as classics of their genre, and this album gives ample opportunity for that. Mayonnaisse! Bobby Lee Trammell Rocks is available to order from Bear Family Records.

Tracklisting

1. Arkansas Twist
2. It’s All Your Fault (Alley Version)
3. Shirley Lee
4. I Sure Do Love You Baby
5. You Mostest Girl
6. Uh Oh
7. My Susie J. – My Susie Jane
8. Open Up Your Heart
9. Woe Is Me
10. Hi Ho Silver
11. Been A Walking
12. Come On Baby
13. Sally Twist (Part 1)
14. Carolyn
15. I Love ‘Em All
16. New Dance In France
17. If You Don’t Wanna, You Don’t Have To
18. Come On And Love Me
19. Tator
20. If You Ever Get It Once (You Gonna’ Want It Again
21. I Need Love
22. Am I Satisfying You
23. Arkansas Stomp
24. You Make Me Feel So Fine
25. Shimmy Lou
26. Betty Jean
27. Toolie Frollie
28. Sally Twist (Part 2)
29. Mayonnaise Man
30. Jenny Lee
31. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
32. You’re The Mostest Girl (Soundcat Version)

Bobby Lee Trammell Rocks

8

Rating

8.0/10