A couple of issues ago, we reviewed the first two volumes in this important series, both of which had a New Orleans rock ’n’ roll slant. This one does too, but it also includes some pretty tough blues sides as lagniappe.

Include Jerry McCain’s often-covered “She’s Tough” in the latter column, as well as his blistering instrumental “Steady.” Two other blues sides here that will raise the hair on back of your neck are Mercy Baby’s “Marked Deck” and “Rock and Roll Baby.” Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Boppin’ with Sonny” and Frankie Lee Sims’ “What Will Lucy Do” completes a stellar inclusion of classic blues.

Lots of familiar New Orleans names are in the mix here, including Huey “Piano” Smith, Bobby Marchan, Earl King, Frankie Ford, Mac Rebennack and Red Tyler. Of particular special interest is the inclusion of the Marchan/Smith collaboration “Loberta,” which was eventually transformed into the flipside of Frankie Ford’s hit “Sea Cruise”—albeit renamed “Roberta.” So too is Earl King’s “Darlin’ Honey Angel Child,” a primitive version of his frequently- covered hit, “Come On.”

Several obscurities are included as well. The Emeralds’ “I Kneel at Your Throne” and the Supremes’ (not the Diana Ross group) “Don’t Leave Me Here to Cry” have long been revered by doo-wop collectors, and this album shows the reasons why.

Superb sound quality, copious and informative notes, plus vintage photos and label pics makes this one to look out for—particularly if you enjoyed the first two volumes.