RICHARD M. JONES – 1923-1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 826 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Richard M. Jones was more important as a talent scout and an organizer of bands than as a pianist. This Classics CD features Jones as a soloist on two numbers from 1923 ("Jazzin' Babies Blues" and "12th Street Rag"); with the Chicago Hottentots backing the mediocre singer Lillie Delk Christian; playing with Nelson's Paramount Serenaders and Hightower's Night Hawks; and leading his own Jazz Wizards. Among the other players are clarinetist Albert Nicholas, banjoist Johnny St. Cyr, cornetist Shirley Clay, and trombonist Preston Jackson. Although the music is generally not all that classic, this formerly rare material has its strong moments and gives one a good example of middle-of-the-road Chicago jazz of the mid-'20s. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

RICHARD M. JONES – 1927-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 853 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of two CDs that reissue every recording led by pianist Richard M. Jones is drawn from three periods and has diverse material. The early band sides are often a bit disappointing, particularly the ones from 1927-28 with clarinetist Artie Stalks and a fairly obscure cast. Two numbers with his "Jazz Wizards" in 1929 are better, due to the participation of trombonist Roy Palmer and clarinetist Omer Simeon. Quite rare are six swinging big-band sides from 1935 on which Jones merely directs (although he does sing "Bring It On Home to Grandma"). Also on this CD are a pair of examples of the pianist singing blues in 1936 (assisted by trumpeter Lee Collins on his famous "Trouble In Mind") and four decent blues-oriented Dixieland numbers from 1944 with trumpeter Bob Shoffner and clarinetist Darnell Howard. The music is not essential overall, but since Classics did include everything, one cannot fault the packaging. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist + Credits :

ALBERT AMMONS – 1939-1946 (1997) The Classics Chronological Series – 927 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This CD offers three distinct periods in the development of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons. Kicking off with solo tracks recorded in 1939 and 1944 for the Solo-Art and Commodore labels, the next batch follows him into a small-band format with Hop Lips Page practically stealing the show in his demonstrative style. The final ten selections emanate from Chicago sessions for Mercury -- again with a small group -- featuring vocals from Sippie Wallace and Mildred Anderson. Ammons was a giant in his chosen field of endeavor, and these sides make a marvelous addition to his too-short discography. Cub Koda
Tracklist :
1    Albert Ammons–    St. Louis Blues 3:50
Written-By – W. C. Handy
2    Albert Ammons–    Mecca Flat Blues 3:54
Traditional
3    Albert Ammons–    Bass Gone Crazy    3:35
 Albert Ammons
4    Albert Ammons–    Monday Struggle 3:53
 Albert Ammons
5    Albert Ammons–    Boogie Woogie    3:27
 Albert Ammons
6    Albert Ammons–    Albert's Special Boogie Woogie    2:59
 Albert Ammons
7    Albert Ammons–    The Boogie Rocks    3:01
 Albert Ammons
8    Albert Ammons–    Blues On My Mind    3:06
 Albert Ammons
9    Albert Ammons–    Bugle Boogie    2:50
 Albert Ammons
10    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Blues In The Groove    3:02
 Albert Ammons
11    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    The Breaks    3:07
 Albert Ammons
12    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Jammin' The Boogie    4:03
 Albert Ammons
13    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Bottom Blues    4:34
 Albert Ammons
14    Sippie Wallace With Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Bedroom Blues 3:16
Written-By –  George "Fathead" Thomas / Sippie Wallace
15    Sippie Wallace With Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Buzz Me 3:02
Written-By – Dexter, Moore
16    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Doin' The Boogie Woogie 2:49
Written-By – Young
17    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Oh, Lady, Be Good! 2:32
Written-By – Gershwin - Gershwin
18    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Suitcase Blues    2:44
 Albert Ammons / Hersal Thomas
19    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Boogie Woogie At The Civic Opera    2:34
 Albert Ammons
20    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Swanee River Boogie 2:31
Written-By – Foster
21    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Why I'm Leaving You 2:38
Written By – Unknown Artist
22    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    I Don't Want To See You 2:49
Written-By – Cooley
23    Albert Ammons And His Rhythm Kings–    Red Sails In The Sunset 2:30
Written-By – Kennedy, Grosz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Artie Starks (faixas: 14, 15)
Bass – Israel Crosby (faixas: 10 to 13, 16 to 23), John Lindsay (faixas: 14, 15)
Drums – Jack Cooley (faixas: 16 to 23), Sid Catlett (faixas: 10 to 13), Tom Taylor (10) (faixas: 14, 15)
Guitar – Ike Perkins (faixas: 16 to 23), Lonnie Johnson (faixas: 14, 15)
Piano – Albert Ammons
Tenor Saxophone – Don Byas (faixas: 10 to 13)
Trombone – Vic Dickenson (faixas: 10 to 13)
Trumpet – Hot Lips Page (faixas: 10 to 13)
Vocals – Jack Cooley (faixas: 21, 22), Mildred Anderson (faixas: 16), Sippie Wallace (faixas: 14, 15)
Written-By – Ammons (faixas: 3, 5 to 13, 18, 19)