Various - Atlantic R&B 1947-1974. Vol 1 1947-1952 (2006)

Throughout the late "40s, "50s and "60s, Atlantic was one of the premier independent record labels in America, and one of their specialties was R&B. Atlantic had a remarkable staff of producers and A&R men who could find the singular talent of the day, and they assembled a truly extraordinary roster from the outset. The entire saga of Atlantic Records" peak years is documented on the eight-disc box set Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974, which is also available as seven individual discs. The first installment of the series has a number of classic singles, even if it lacks the star power that drives the later editions. Much of this music is close to blues, whether it"s down-home piano blues or jump blues, with a few vocal groups emerging by 1952. Part of what makes Vol. 1 special is that it contains such relative obscurities as Frank Culley"s "Cole Slaw" and Joe Morris" "The Apple Jack" alongside such classics as Stick McGhee"s "Drinkin" Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee," Tiny Grimes" "Midnight Special," Professor Longhair"s "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" and the Clovers" "One Mint Julep," as well as hot tracks from Ruth Brown, Joe Turner, and Willis Jackson. It"s an excellent set that captures the early days of R&B, just as it was breaking free from the blues.
(allmusic.com/album/atlantic-rhythm-blues-1947-1974-vol-1-1947-1952-mw0000649846)