Huey "Piano" Smith & His Clowns were pillars of New Orleans rhythm and blues, bringing infectious energy and novelty humor to the early rock and roll scene. Smith's piano-driven sound, combined with his group's playful vocal arrangements, made them local favorites and national recording artists throughout the 1950s.
Released by Ace Records in 1960, Having A Good Time captures the group at a moment when their popularity was shifting. The album showcases their signature blend of boogie-woogie piano, playful storytelling, and irreverent humor that defined their approach to R&B. The infectious title track "Havin' A Good Time" sets the album's lighthearted tone, while "Don't You Just Know It" features the group's trademark comedic delivery and novelty appeal that had characterized their earlier hits.
The standout tracks demonstrate Smith's musical range. "Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu," one of their most recognizable recordings, pairs clever wordplay with rollicking piano work and energetic horn arrangements. "Little Chickee Wah Wah" and "Don't You Know Yockomo" exemplify the group's ability to craft catchy, quirky numbers that prioritized fun over conventional musical sophistication.
Throughout the album, the interplay between Smith's propulsive piano and the group's harmonies remains tight and engaging. While some tracks like "Just A Lonely Clown" attempt more sentimental material, the record ultimately succeeds as a document of New Orleans R&B's playful tradition. For collectors, this Ace Records pressing represents an important snapshot of early rock and roll's comedic and rhythmic traditions.
