Long before he became a key member of LA's legendary Wrecking Crew, Al Casey was a highly experienced studio picker, known widely within the industry as "The guitarists' guitarist". However, in an intriguing, eclectic career, Casey successfully juxtaposed the role of a busy sessionman with his own solo work, which in turn encompassed both vocal and instrumental performances. He worked extensively with legendary songwriter/producer Lee Hazlewood, his twangy guitar featuring on hits by artists like Sanford Clark and Duane Eddy. Elsewhere, he also famously played on Jody Reynolds' ethereally gloomy 'Endless Sleep'. This unique compilation presents a snapshot of Al's early work, between 1956-62, featuring him both solo (including his own early hits 'Cookin' and 'Jivin' Around') and as a sideman (e. g. Jimmy Johnson's Rockabilly classic 'How About Me? - Pretty Baby'). Several of these sides are rare, collectors' items, difficult to find elsewhere on CD.