James Booker
Mr. Mystery

Listening notes

James Booker’s Mr. Mystery is a 1984 vinyl release on Sundown (6), catalog number CG 709-09, categorized under Blues and Piano Blues. The album presents 11 tracks across two sides, with a total listed runtime of 43:55 based on the provided durations.

Side A comprises five selections totaling 22:39. The sequence opens with That’s What The People Say (3:38), followed by the set’s longest track, Junko Partner (7:30). On The Other Side Of The Track (4:55) and Sweet Woman In Savannah GA (3:32) continue the side, which concludes with Make A Better World (3:04). The arrangement places the most extended performance early on Side A, with remaining cuts ranging between just over three to nearly five minutes.

Side B contains six tracks totaling 21:16. It begins with One Helluva Nerve (4:19) and Rockin’ Pneumania (3:25), moving into Basilla Me Wahira (4:08). The side’s two briefest entries—Ain’t That Love (2:48) and So Swell When You’re Well (2:49)—precede the closer, Booker Special (3:47). The shortest track on the album is Ain’t That Love at 2:48, while the longest remains Junko Partner at 7:30.

The track titles reflect a mix of themes and phrasings, from place-specific references (Sweet Woman In Savannah GA) to declarative statements (That’s What The People Say) and eponymous sign-off (Booker Special). The B-side sequencing places two sub-three-minute pieces back-to-back before the finale, contrasting with Side A’s distribution, where all but one track exceed three minutes and one extends beyond seven.

All details above derive from the listed release information: artist (James Booker), title (Mr. Mystery), label (Sundown (6)), catalog number (CG 709-09), year (1984), format (Vinyl), genres (Blues; Piano Blues), and tracklist with positions and durations. This draft focuses solely on the verifiable contents and structure of the release for reference purposes.