Texas-born Camille Howard (1914-1993), real name Deasy Browning, like many of her fellow African- Americans made for Los Angeles where the war-time economy was booming. Already an accomplished pianist, she joined the popular Roy Milton combo (later known as the Solid Senders and usually a sextet) embarking on a decade-long association with the drummer/vocalist’s band and their heady mix of South-Western style ‘blues, jazz and jump.’

Howard’s driving piano on ‘RM Blues’ and the band’s easy-sounding riffs helped to make the record a national best-seller. Specialty label boss Art Rupe recognised her value, calling for Milton to record “Boogie-woogie, with lots of piano out front” and that became the defining character of many Milton releases. And the title for this brilliant, well-researched compilation – 60 tracks with many compelling boogie sides, mostly with band riffs and jazz solos from the front-line horns. One such example is the jump number ‘Pack Your Sack, Jack’ from 1947, featuring the fine ex-Basie altoist Caughey Roberts.

While Milton himself was the band’s main vocalist, Howard also took her turn, Dinah Washington-like, this further emphasised when Specialty gave her a separate contract as a trio leader. Fast, complex and powerful pieces like ‘Ferocious Boogie’ erupted almost volcanically from the keyboard – her boogie originals contrasted with the occasional vocal ballads or blues numbers.

Howard was a star, touring widely with her own groups, as well as with Milton, recording hit after hit, all represented here. All of a sudden, though, she retired, became a Jehovah’s Witness and never alluded to her secular music career again.