Running Jumping Standing Still

Released in the late-'60s, and compared by critics to concept albums like Sgt. Pepper and Smiley Smile, this raucous blend of ragtime, blues, R&B and jazz-sorta like the Band on a bender-has become a cult classic, now available for the first time in decades.

Spider John Koerner made his name in the '60s by picking out acoustic urban blues with the Minneapolis trio of Koerner, Ray, & Glover. He romps a little harder than usual on Running, Jumping, Standing Still, obviously grooving on the extra energy of pianist Willie Murphy. Koerner's folk roots get liberally sprinkled with ragtime, rock & roll, and barrelhouse boogie-woogie courtesy of Murphy's magic fingers. Murphy also sings lead on two tracks, including the long, jazzy piano workout "Old Brown Dog." Koerner and his booming guitar shine on the strutting "Red Palace," the low-key "I Ain't Blue," and the title track. -- Michael Ruby