ETHEL WATERS – 1926-1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 688 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Few female jazz singers were on Ethel Waters' level during this period -- just Bessie Smith and Annette Hanshaw, and all three were quite different from each other. Waters has rarely sounded better than on the four numbers in which she is backed rather forcefully by pianist James P. Johnson (particularly "Guess Who's in Town" and "Do What You Did Last Night"), but she is also in fine form on the other small-group sides. "I'm Coming Virginia," "Home," "Take Your Black Bottom Outside," "Someday Sweetheart," and "Am I Blue" (which she introduced) are among the many gems on this highly recommended entry in Classics' chronological series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     He Brought Joy to My Soul 3:12
Traditional
2     Take What You Want 2:56
J.C. Johnson
3     I'm Coming Virginia 3:05
Will Marion Cook / Donald Heywood
4     We Don't Need Eash Other Any More 3:02
J.C. Johnson
5     My Special Friend Is Back in Town 3:06
J.C. Johnson / Andy Razaf
6     Jersey Walk 2:35
Henry Creamer / James F. Hanley
7     Weary Feet 3:13
Unknown Blues Band
8     Smile! 2:48
Donald Heywood
9     Home (Cradle of Happiness) 3:06
J.C. Johnson
10     Take Your Black Bottom Outside 2:47
Clarence Williams
11     I Want My Sweet Daddy Now 2:51
Donald Heywood
12     One Sweet Letter from You 3:15
Lew Brown / Sidney Clare / Harry Warren
13     Someday, Sweetheart 3:02
Benjamin Franklin Spikes / John Spikes
14     Some of These Days 2:59
Shelton Brooks
15     Lonesome Swallow 3:04
J.C. Johnson / Andy Razaf
16     Guess Who's in Town 3:02
James P. Johnson / Andy Razaf
17     My Handy Man 2:58
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf
18     Do What You Did Last Night 2:39
J.C. Johnson / Andy Razaf
19     West End Blues 3:26
King Oliver / Clarence Williams
20     Organ Grinder Blues 3:12
Clarence Williams
21     Get Up Off Your Knees 2:44
Clarence Williams
22     My Baby Sure Knows How to Make Love 3:32
Crawford / Rafe    
23     Birmingham Bertha 2:52
Harry Akst / Grant Clarke
24     Am I Blue? 3:16
Harry Akst / Grant Clarke
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Alex S. Jackson (tracks: 9, 10)
Backing Vocals – Ebony Four (tracks: 1)
Bass Saxophone [Uncredited] – Alex Jackson (tracks: 7, 8)
Bass [Sb] – Joe Tarto (tracks: 23, 24)
Clarinet – Jimmy Dorsey (tracks: 23, 24)
Cornet – Joe Smith (tracks: 7 to 10), Unknown Artist (tracks: 3, 4)
Orchestra – Will Marion Cook's Singing Orchestra (tracks: 3, 4)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 19 to 22), Frank Signorelli (tracks: 23, 24), J.C. Johnson (tracks: 3 to 5), James P. Johnson (tracks: 15 to 18), Pearl Wright (tracks: 2, 6 to 14)
Trombone – Tommy Dorsey (tracks: 23 to 24)
Trumpet [?] – Manny Klein (tracks: 23 to 24)
Violin – Unknown Artist (tracks: 3, 4), William A. Tyler (tracks: 12 to 14)
Violoncello – H. Leonard Jeter (tracks: 12 to 14), Unknown Artist (tracks: 3, 4)