Blues Man’s Ball Volume One is the first release in LocoBop’s series showcasing southern blues at its best. While Rufus Thomas, Tommy Tate, and Eddie Floyd made their mark as soul singers, they reveal here their genuine blues credentials. Ivory Joe Hunter sold millions of records as a crossover crooner, but his early blues roots are on full display here. Fred Sanders’s Club Handy Band was a long-time Beale Street attraction who influenced virtually all Memphis musicians coming of age in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Award-winning bluesman Bobby Rush still plays to sell-out crowds as his career passes the half century mark.  Blues Hall of Fame member Percy Mayfield scored his first hit in the ’40s and wrote “Hit The Road Jack” for Ray Charles.