ELLA FITZGERALD – 1935-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 500 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of six Ella Fitzgerald CDs in the European label Classics "complete" series has her earliest 25 recordings with two numbers ("My Melancholy Baby" and "All My Life") from a session with Teddy Wilson, three songs (including "Goodnight My Love") cut with Benny Goodman's big band, four tunes from her initial session as a leader and the remainder with Chick Webb's Orchestra which mainly acted as a backup band for the young singer. Even at the age of 17, Ella Fitzgerald had a beautiful voice and a strong sense of swing (although she would not seriously scat for another decade). "I'll Chase the Blues Away," "When I Get Low I Get High," "Sing Me a Swing Song" and "You'll Have to Swing It" are among the highpoints of this fine set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 506 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of six CDs in the Classics label's complete reissue of Ella Fitzgerald's early recordings features the singer as a teenager with the Chick Webb Orchestra, in addition to leading two sessions that use Webb's sidemen and performing a pair of songs ("Big Boy Blue" and "Dedicated to You") with the Mills Brothers. Highlights include "I Want to Be Happy," "If Dreams Come True" and her big hit, "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Although not yet the brilliant jazz singer she would become, Fitzgerald already had a highly appealing voice and the ability to swing on any song she was given. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

ELLA FITZGERALD – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 525 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Unlike GRP, which has merely reissued the "best" of early Ella Fitzgerald domestically, the European Classics label has released all of the great singer's early recordings (from the 1935-41 period) on six CDs. This, the fourth volume, has her final recordings with Chick Webb's Orchestra (before the legendary drummer's premature death) and her first after she took control of his big band. Fitzgerald is best on "'Tain't What You Do" and the ballads (particularly "Don't Worry About Me," "Little White Lies," "Stairway to the Stars" and "Out of Nowhere") although she is less memorable on such uptempo novelties as "Chew-Chew-Chew Your Bubble Gum" and "I Want the Waiter with the Water." This CD is well worth acquiring along with the other entries in this definitive series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

HELEN HUMES – 1927-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 892 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

When she was just 13 and 14 years old, Helen Humes made her recording debut, cutting ten risque, double entendre-filled blues, naughty tunes that she later claimed to understand at the time. Until the release of this Classics CD in 1996, those numbers (which have backup in various settings by either De Loise Searcy or J.C. Johnson on piano, and Lonnie Johnson or the guitar duo team of Sylvester Weaver and Walter Beasley) had never been reissued on the same set before. Humes sounds fairly mature on the enjoyable blues sides. Her next session as a leader would not take place until 15 years later, when she was 28 and a veteran of Count Basie's Orchestra. The singer is heard here with groups in 1942 and 1944-1945, performing three numbers with altoist Pete Brown's sextet (a band including trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, who unfortunately does not solo), Leonard Feather's Hiptet (which has some rare solos from trumpeter Bobby Stark), and Bill Doggett's spirited octet. The latter date is highlighted by classic renditions of "He May Be Your Man" and "Be-Baba-Leba." Highly recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1927-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 572 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 With its high musicianship and many talented soloists (including trumpeters Rex Stewart and Bobby Stark, trombonist Jimmy Harrison, Coleman Hawkins on tenor, and altoist Benny Carter), the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra should have prospered during this period, but unaccountably, its leader (never a strong businessman) seemed to be losing interest in the band's fortunes and made several bad decisions. The result is that by 1931, Henderson's orchestra was struggling while Duke Ellington's was becoming a household name. This Classics CD, in covering over three years, demonstrates how few recordings this band made (only four songs apiece in both 1929 and 1930), although the quality largely makes up for the quantity. The original band version of "King Porter Stomp" and an explosive "Oh Baby" are the high points of this satisfying collection. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 555 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Even with such strong players as trumpeters Bobby Stark and Rex Stewart, trombonist Benny Morton and tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, the fortunes of Fletcher Henderson's orchestra were slipping during 1931. With the departure of Don Redman several years earlier, the group's arrangements were less innovative, and the pressure was on to perform commercial songs for the Depression audience. Even the jazz standards (such as "Tiger Rag" and "After You've Gone") are less interesting than those of their competitors, although this new version of "Sugar Foot Stomp" is a classic and the strong solos by the all-star cast make this CD well worth acquiring. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits : 

FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1931-1932 | The Classics Chronological Series – 546 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During this period Fletcher Henderson was often stuck recording commercial leftover like "My Sweet Tooth Says I Wanna (But My Wisdom Tooth Says No)," "I Wanna Count Sheep (Till the Cows Come Home)" and "Strangers," but in most cases his all-star orchestra was able to overcome the material. This CD, part of Classics' complete chronological reissue of Henderson's recordings, also finds the orchestra backing Baby Rose Marie on two songs in addition to attempting (with uneven success) to put its stamp on jazz standards made famous by other musicians (such as "12th Street Rag" and "Casa Loma Stomp"). The music is generally quite good if not essential Henderson. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

BENNY MORTON – 1934-1945 (1999) The Classics Chronological Series – 906 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Benny Morton didn't make very many recordings as a leader. What you've got here are apparently all of them. The 1934 band contained several musicians who had worked in Don Redman's orchestra. "Fare Thee Well to Harlem" is one of many preposterous Tin Pan Alley songs depicting a "negro" who yearns to go back to the noble South, in this case because of the questionable assumption that down there people go to church instead of hanging out in bars. Note that Duke Ellington always insisted there were more churches than nightclubs in Harlem. Ellington gave the world the diametric opposite of this song when in 1941 he composed "Jump For Joy," that ode to emancipation with its opening lyric: "Fare thee well, land of cotton, fare thee well." It's almost as if he was responding to this particular song! Will we ever know? "Tailor Made" was composed and arranged by bassist Billy Taylor, who chugs away behind the band without soloing. "The Gold Digger's Song," with its refrain of "We're in the money," came directly out of Busby Berkeley's Hollywood during the Great Depression. Nobody ever sang a hipper version of this giddy paean to economic denial than Henry "Red" Allen. Edward Inge quotes both "Yankee Doodle" and "Pagliacci" during his clarinet solo. Benny Morton's Trombone Choir was a follow-up for Roy Eldridge's Trumpet Ensemble and Coleman Hawkins & His Sax Ensemble, all brilliantly produced by Harry Lim for Keynote Records. The fact that four trombones were considered a choir is immediately understandable when you immerse yourself in their glowing tonalities. The music is sculpted with great precision, and the 'bones are able to strut their stuff largely because of the excellent rhythm section of Johnny Guarnieri, Al Hall and Sid Catlett. Although Leonard Feather is credited as the composer of "Sliphorn Outing," the tune is clearly recognizable as an upbeat version of "Avalon." You realize Al Jolson could have sued for royalties! "Sliphorn" is also a necessary blow-out after the beautifully controlled cooperation and perfectly blended harmonies of "Where or When," "Liza" and "Once in a While." The Blue Note recordings of Benny Morton's All Stars, featuring Barney Bigard and Ben Webster, are precious as lapis lazuli. "My Old Flame" comes across like an Ellington tune, for obvious reasons. "Conversing In Blue" might be one of the greatest collective improvisations in all of traditional jazz. Six men interact, three of them using wind instruments in strikingly expressive ways, carefully listening to each other while voicing their innermost feelings with honesty and passion. The ballad and the blues are perfectly matched by a pair of hot standards. All four sides were originally issued on 12" 78s, allowing additional time for extended solos and prolonged exchanges between the horns. The album ends with four obscure titles issued on the Stinson label. Benny Morton's gentle approach to the trombone is beautifully demonstrated on "Stardust." Prince Robinson's clarinet is a noticeable presence during "Boogie" and those quirkily titled romps, "Williphant Willie" and "Chicken at the Chester." Not a bad career retrospective for a man who spent most of his time playing in the brass section of other peoples' bands. arwulf arwulf 
Tracklist :
1    Benny Morton And His Orchestra–    Get Goin' 3:13
Arranged By – Jerry Blake
Vocals – Jerry Blake
Written-By – Oakland, Conrad, Drake
2    Benny Morton And His Orchestra–    Fare-Thee-Well To Harlem 3:05
Vocals – Jerry Blake
Written-By – Hanighen, Mercer
3    Benny Morton And His Orchestra–    Tailor Made 3:12
Written-By, Arranged By – Billy Taylor
4    Benny Morton And His Orchestra–    The Gold Digger's Song (We're In The Money) 3:10
Vocals – Henry "Red" Allen
Written-By – Dubin, Warren
5    Benny Morton's Trombone Choir–    Where Or When 4:38
Written-By – Rodgers - Hart
6    Benny Morton's Trombone Choir–    Liza
Written-By – Gershwin - Gershwin
7    Benny Morton's Trombone Choir–    Once In A While 4:42
Written-By – Green, Edwards
8    Benny Morton's Trombone Choir–    Sliphorn Outing 4:33
Written-By – Feather
9    Benny Morton's All Stars–    My Old Flame 4:14
Written-By – Johnson, Coslow
10    Benny Morton's All Stars–    Conversing In Blue 4:38
Written-By – Benny Morton
11    Benny Morton's All Stars–    The Sheik Of Araby 4:35
Written-By – Wheeler, Smith, Snyder
12    Benny Morton's All Stars–    Limehouse Blues 4:09
Written-By – Furber, Braham
13    Benny Morton–    Boogie 2:36
Written-By – Unknown Artist
14    Benny Morton–    Williphant Willie 2:25
Written-By – Unknown Artist
15    Benny Morton–    Stardust 2:57
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael
16    Benny Morton–    Chicken At The Chester 2:23
Written-By – Unknown Artist
Credits :   
Bass – Al Hall (tracks: 5 to 8), Billy Taylor (tracks: 1 to 4), Israel Crosby (tracks: 9 to 12), Jimmy Butts (tracks: 13 to 16)
Clarinet – Barney Bigard (tracks: 9 to 12), Prince Robinson (tracks: 13 to 16)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Edward Inge (tracks: 1 to 4), Jerry Blake (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Eddie Dougherty (tracks: 9 to 16), Manzie Johnson (tracks: 1 to 4), Sid Catlett (tracks: 5 to 8)
Guitar – Bobby Johnson (tracks: 1 to 4)
Piano – Don Kirkpatrick (tracks: 1 to 4), Johnny Guarnieri (tracks: 5 to 8), Sammy Benskin (tracks: 9 to 16)
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (tracks: 9 to 12), Ted McRae (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trombone – Benny Morton, Bill Harris (tracks: 5 to 8), Claude Jones (tracks: 5 to 8), Vic Dickenson (tracks: 5 to 8)
Trumpet – Bobby Stark (tracks: 13 to 16), Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 1 to 4)

CHICK WEBB AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1938 (1990) The Classics Chronological Series – 517 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

To a large extent, the Chick Webb big band is now chiefly remembered as the launching pad for Ella Fitzgerald, but during its peak years it was one of the top swing bands. This 25-song CD from the European Classics label reissues all of the band's recordings from a three-year period that did not feature Fitzgerald as a solo singer; she does make a brief appearance on "Wake up and Live." Although there are nine vocals on this set (including three from a young Louis Jordan), the emphasis is very much on the band's instrumental talents. Such soloists as trumpeters Taft Jordan and Bobby Stark, trombonist Sandy Williams, Elmer Williams and Ted McRae on tenors, and altoist Edgar Sampson are heard from while the drummer/leader propels the ensembles. A special highlight are the four numbers by Chick Webb's Little Chicks, an unusual quintet featuring the pioneering jazz flutist Wayman Carver and clarinetist Chauncey Haughton. This CD is highly recommended to swing fans. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1     Down Home Rag 2:52
Sam M. Lewis / Wilbur Sweatman
2     Are You Here to Stay? 3:11
Kenneth Harrison / Edgar Sampson
3     Moonlight and Magnolias 2:51
Dizzy Gillespie
4     I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful) 3:03
Harry Ruskin / Henry Sullivan
5     Facts and Figures 2:33
Edgar Sampson
6     Go Harlem 2:20
James P. Johnson / Andy Razaf
7     Love Marches On 2:52
Charles Tobias
8     There's Frost on the Moon  2:49
Fred E. Ahlert / Victor Young
9     Gee But You're Swell 2:37
Charles Tobias
10     Rusty Hinge 3:06
Lew Brown
11     Wake up and Live 2:37
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
12     It's Swell of You 3:12
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
13     Clap Hands! Here Comes Charlie 2:31
Ballard MacDonald / Joseph Meyer / Billy Rose
14     That Naughty Waltz 3:01
Sol P. Levy / Edwin Stanley
15     In a Little Spanish Town 2:40
Sam M. Lewis / Mabel Wayne / Joe Young
16     I Got Rhythm 2:31
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
17     I Ain't Got Nobody 3:02
Roger Graham / Dave Peyton / Spencer Williams
18     Strictly Jive 3:17
Chick Webb & His Orchestra
19     Sweet Sue, Just You 2:44
Will J. Harris / Victor Young
20     Squeeze Me 3:10
Fats Waller / Clarence Williams
21     Harlem Congo 3:14
Harry White
22     Midnite in a Madhouse (Midnite in Harlem) 2:33
Larry Clinton
23     Azure 3:12
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
24     Spinnin' the Webb 3:04 3:04
Ella Fitzgerald / Chick Webb
25     Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away) 2:45
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Gus Kahn
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Edgar Sampson (tracks: 1 to 14), Louis Jordan (tracks: 18, 20 to 25), Pete Clark (2) (tracks: 1 to 14)
Banjo, Guitar – John Trueheart (tracks: 1 to 14)
Bass [String Bass] – Beverly Peer (tracks: 15 to 25), Bill Thomas (3) (tracks: 3 to 14), John Kirby (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Chauncey Haughton (tracks: 15 to 25)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ted McRae (tracks: 6 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)
Drums – Chick Webb
Guitar – Bobby Johnson (tracks: 18, 20 to 25)
Piano – Don Kirkpatrick (4) (tracks: 1 to 14), Tommy Fulford (tracks: 15 to 25)
Tenor Saxophone – Elmer Williams (tracks: 1 to 5)
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Trombone – Claude Jones (tracks: 1 to 5), George Matthews (2) (tracks: 23 to 25), Nat Story (tracks: 6 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Sandy Williams (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)
Trumpet – Bobby Stark (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Mario Bauzá (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25), Taft Jordan (tracks: 1 to 14, 18, 20 to 25)

BENNY CARTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1929-1933 | The Classics Chronological Series – 522 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The European Classics series has been reissuing on CD the complete output of many top jazz artists of the '20s and '30s. Benny Carter's music at last receives the treatment it deserves in this program. His first volume features the great altoist with a pickup group (the Chocolate Dandies) from 1929-30 that showcases sidemen from Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, with his own orchestra in 1932-33 (three of the five numbers have rare vocals from Carter) and on 11 sides with Spikes Hughes's all-star band, an orchestra that also features trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist Dicky Wells, Wayman Carver on flute and the tenors of Coleman Hawkins and Chu Berry. This is wonderful and, in many cases, formerly rare music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    The Little Chocolate Dandies–    That's How I Feel Today 2:57
Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Don Redman
Banjo – Unknown Artist
Drums – George Stafford
Piano – Fats Waller
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – J.C. Higginbotham
Trumpet – Leonard Davis, Rex Stewart
Tuba – Cyrus St. Clair
2    The Little Chocolate Dandies–    Six Or Seven Times 3:20
Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Benny Carter, Don Redman
Banjo – Unknown Artist
Drums – George Stafford
Piano, Written-By – Fats Waller
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – J.C. Higginbotham
Trumpet – Leonard Davis, Rex Stewart
Tuba – Cyrus St. Clair
Written-By – Mills
3    Chocolate Dandies–    Goodbye Blues 3:17
Alto Saxophone, Arranged By, Vocals, Written-By – Benny Carter
Bass – John Kirby
Guitar – Benny Jackson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison
Trumpet – Bobby Stark
4    Chocolate Dandies–    Cloudy Skies 2:55
Alto Saxophone, Arranged By – Benny Carter
Guitar – Benny Jackson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone, Written-By – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison
Trumpet – Bobby Stark
Tuba – John Kirby
5    Chocolate Dandies–    Got Another Sweetie Now 2:58
Alto Saxophone, Arranged By – Benny Carter
Guitar – Benny Jackson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone, Vocals, Written-By – Jimmy Harrison
Trumpet – Bobby Stark
Tuba – John Kirby
6    Chocolate Dandies–    Bugle Call Rag 2:49
Alto Saxophone, Arranged By – Benny Carter
Guitar – Benny Jackson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison
Trumpet – Bobby Stark
Tuba – John Kirby
Written-By – Schoebel, Mills, Pettis
7    Chocolate Dandies–    Dee Blues 2:54
Clarinet, Arranged By, Written-By – Benny Carter
Guitar – Benny Jackson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison
Trumpet – Bobby Stark
Tuba – John Kirby
8    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Tell All Your Day Dreams To Me 2:54
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Directed By – Benny Carter
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano – Teddy Wilson
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dickie Wells
Trumpet – Frank Newton, Louis Bacon, Unknown Artist
Vocals – Unknown Artist
Written-By – James, Seitter
9    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Swing It 3:11
Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Drums, Vibraphone – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Trumpet, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Vocals, Directed By – Benny Carter
Written-By – Bretz, Weitz
10    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Synthetic Love 3:28
Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Drums, Vibraphone – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Trumpet, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Vocals, Directed By, Written-By – Benny Carter
Written-By – Mills, Washington
11    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Six Bells Stampede 2:39
Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Drums, Vibraphone – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Trumpet, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Directed By – Benny Carter
Written-By – Hughes
12    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Love, You're Not The One For Me 3:32
Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Drums, Vibraphone – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Trumpet, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Vocals, Directed By, Written-By – Benny Carter
13    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Nocturne 2:57
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson, Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By, Written-By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Kaiser Marshall
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
14    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Someone Stole Gabriel's Horn 3:03
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson, Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Benny Carter
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Kaiser Marshall
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Written-By – Hayes, Mills, Washington
15    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Pastorale 3:10
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson, Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By, Written-By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
16    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Bugle Call Rag 2:51
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson, Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis, Shad Collins
Written-By – Meyer, Schoebel, Pettis
17    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Arabesque 3:03
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By, Written-By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
18    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Fanfare 2:52
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Luis Russell
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
Traditional
19    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Sweet Sorrow Blues 3:02
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Luis Russell
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
Written-By – Traditional
20    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Music At Midnight 2:42
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter, Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Luis Russell
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
Written-By – Unknown Artist
21    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Sweet Sue - Just You 2:59
Bass [String Bass] – Spike Hughes
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
Written-By – Young, Harris
22    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Air In D Flat 3:00
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Howard Scott
Trumpet [Possibly] – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen
Written-By – Unknown Artist
23    Spike Hughes And His Negro Orchestra–    Donegal Cradle Song 3:00
Bass [String Bass] – Ernest Hill
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Wayman Carver
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Benny Carter
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Directed By, Arranged By, Written-By – Spike Hughes
Drums – Sid Catlett
Guitar – Lawrence Lucie
Piano – Rod Rodriguez
Tenor Saxophone – Chu Berry
Trombone – Dicky Wells, George Washington, Wilbur De Paris
Trumpet – Howard Scott
Trumpet [Possibly] – Bill Dillard, Leonard Davis
Trumpet, Vocals – Henry Allen