HENRY "RED" ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1933-1935 | The Chronogical Classics – 551 (1990) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The second of five CDs put out by the European Classics label that document trumpeter Red Allen's 1929-41 recordings has three titles from a session co-led with tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, eight songs from 1934 and a dozen from the following year. Allen takes vocals on most of the tracks and, even if not all of the songs are gems, there are many highlights including "Pardon My Southern Accent," "Rug Cutter Swing," "Believe It, Beloved," "Rosetta" and "Truckin'." The strong supporting cast includes trombonists Dickie Wells and J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetists Buster Bailey and Cecil Scott and, on one date, tenorman Chu Berry. All five of the Red Allen Classics CDs are recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

HENRY "RED" ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1936 | The Chronogical Classics – 575 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third of five Classics CDs that cover Red Allen's recordings of the 1930s has the contents of six complete sessions from a ten-month period. Allen (who has vocals on all but one of the 24 selections) is assisted by such classic players as trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, Cecil Scott (on tenor and clarinet), altoist Tab Smith and several strong rhythm sections. Among the more memorable swing performances are "On Treasure Island," "Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddle," "Lost," "Algiers Stomp" and "I'll Sing You a Thousand Love songs." The fairly obscure recordings (cut during an era when the big bands really ruled) have long been underrated. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

WILLIE "THE LION" SMITH – 1925-1937 | The Chronogical Classics – 662 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Willie "The Lion" Smith, one of stride piano's Big Three of the 1920s (along with James P. Johnson and Fats Waller), recorded a lot less than his two friends. In fact, with the exception of two selections apiece with the Gulf Coast Seven in 1925 (which features trombonist Jimmy Harrison and clarinetist Buster Bailey) and 1927's Georgia Strutters (starring singer Perry Bradford, Harrison, and cornetist Jabbo Smith), along with the rare and originally unreleased 1934 solo piano showcase "Finger Buster," this CD does not get started until 1935. Smith's Decca recordings of 1935 and 1937 were formerly quite obscure, showcasing his piano with three different versions of "His Cubs." The Lion is heard with a Clarence Williams-type quartet which includes cornetist Ed Allen and clarinetist Cecil Scott, matched up with trumpeter Dave Nelson and clarinetist Buster Bailey in a septet; and temporarily heading an early version of the John Kirby Sextet on a session dominated by drummer O'Neil Spencer's vocals. Highlights of this historic and enjoyable CD include "Santa Claus Blues," "Keep Your Temper," "Blues, Why Don't You Let Me Alone," and the earliest recording of the Lion's most famous composition, "Echo of Spring." Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

WILLIE "THE LION" SMITH – 1950-1953 | The Chronogical Classics – 1392 (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This sixth volume in the Classics Willie "The Lion" Smith chronology is packed with exceptionally fine music, beginning with seven Commodore piano solos recorded near the end of 1950. The Lion is in excellent form here -- his thunderously percussive rendition of Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things" could serve as a sort of primal preface to Cecil Taylor's 1959 reconstitution of Porter's "Get Out of Town." The Lion's Blue Circle session of August 15, 1953, features a robust little band with a front line of trumpeter Henry Goodwin, trombonist Jimmy Archey, and reedman Cecil Scott. Myra Johnson, Fats Waller's feisty touring vocalist during the late '30s and early '40s, chips in with a rowdy reading of "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "Stop It, Joe," a James P. Johnson composition erroneously credited here to Willie "The Lion" Smith. The instrumental tracks from this session, "The Lion Steps Out," "Willie's Blues," and "The Romp," are wonderfully hot traditional jazz of the highest order. "Background Music for a Cocktail Party" has laughter and conversation running continuously in the background, and appears to be an early example of looped mood-adjustment overdubbing. This marvelous compilation closes with a pair of duets with drummer Keg Purnell and a veritable mini-album of eight piano solos based on melodies by James P. Johnson. This series begins and ends with Smith's masterpiece "Echoes of Spring," referred to here as "The Lion's Theme." arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

REX STEWART – 1934-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 931 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On January 9, 1935, Rex Stewart made his first records with Duke Ellington. Clearly, Duke was already a very strong presence in the young cornetist's musical life. "Stingaree," recorded on December 12, 1934, by Rex Stewart & His Orchestra, sounds more than a bit like "Stompy Jones," recorded by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra on January 9, 1934. "Baby, Ain't You Satisfied" was the flip side of "Stingaree," issued on a 78-rpm Vocalion record bearing the serial number 2800. This is the kind of information that the Classics Chronological reissue series provides in its discographies, by the way. You can savor the gradual evolution of an artist's career while poring over recording data and neat little lists of personnel. One name that stands out from the "Stingaree" session is reedman Rudy Powell, who was distinguishing himself in the company of Fats Waller during this same time period. Powell's verbal expostulations during "Satisfied" are as funky and funny as those gruff outbursts usually spoken by Waller or Louis Armstrong. These two numbers are the perfect curtain-raiser for an unusually diverse musical profile. Many of Stewart's best and most often reissued recordings were made under the auspices of Irving Mills and Duke Ellington. Here at last is a collection that expands the lens to include music well outside of that familiar ground. Rex Stewart's Big Seven made four sides on behalf of the Hot Record Society in the summer of 1940. Stewart led his Big Eight on a Keynote date in June of 1944. A slightly reconstituted Big Eight slapped down three contemporary-sounding tracks for Capitol in January 1945. Another octet, now billed as Stewart's "Orchestra," made four records for Parlophone in July 1945. Finally, there is the wild and woolly Mercury session of February 8, 1946. Seldom has an essential segment of Rex Stewart's career been so carefully represented on one disc. The Hot Record Society session glows with the rhythmically magical combination of Wellman Braud and Davey Tough. A slow drag entitled "Solid Rock" is exceptionally passionate and blue. The Keynote sides, especially "Zaza" and "Swamp Mist," are marvelous pieces of chamber jazz, graced with the minds of pianist Johnny Guarnieri and the great Harry Carney, who brought along his bass clarinet. Great changes in style took place within the span of time represented by this CD. A particularly good year for the appearance of young whips who seemed always to be looking ahead, like Earl Bostic and Al Sears, was 1945. There is a smoky tenor sax solo by Stafford "Pazuzza" Simon on "That's Rhythm." A 1946 remake of the famous Ellington/Stewart collaboration "Boy Meets Horn," a funky "Jug Blues," and the outrageous "B.O. Blues" demonstrate Stewart's increasingly eccentric approach to artistic expression and musical entertainment. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1930-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 832 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD is the ninth in an extensive series that reissues all of the recordings led by pianist/composer Clarence Williams. Since Williams headed a wide variety of exciting small groups in the 1920s and '30s that utilized the playing of many top jazz players, all of the CDs are worth acquiring by collectors of classic jazz. The 22 selections on this particular CD range from novelty Williams solo performances to groups featuring trumpeters Red Allen and Ed Allen, Albert Socarras on several reeds (including flute), clarinetists Buster Bailey and Cecil Scott, Prince Robinson doubling on clarinet and tenor, pianist Herman Chittison, Ikey Robinson on banjo, the great tuba player Cyrus St. Clair, singer Eva Taylor, Floyd Casey on washboard, the Bingie Madison big band and Williams himself on vocals, piano and jug. Highlights of this spirited program include "You're Bound to Look like a Monkey When You Get Old," "High Society Blues," "Hot Lovin, '" "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" and four different versions of "Shout Sister Shout." Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Novelty Band–    He Wouldn't Stop Doin It 2:56
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams
2    Clarence Williams' Novelty Band–    You're Bound To Look Like A Monkey When You Get Old 3:03
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams
3    Clarence Williams–    You Rascal You 3:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Sam Theard
4    Clarence Williams–    Michigan Water Blues 3:20
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
5    Lazy Levee Loungers–    If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) 3:11
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Creamer, Johnson
6    Lazy Levee Loungers–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:48
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
7    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Where That Ol' Man River Flows 3:03
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written By – West / Verges
8    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:59
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
9    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    High Society Blues 3:01
Written-By – Clarence Williams
10    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Lazy Levee Loungers 2:45
Written-By – Willard Robison
11    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Sitting On Top Of The World 2:59
Written-By – Young, Henderson, Lewis
12    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Kansas City Man Blues 2:57
Written-By – Johnson, Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Hot Lovin' 2:58
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Charles Warfield
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:00
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
15    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 2:39
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
16    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Kentucky 2:53
Written-By – Clarence Williams
17    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:12
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
18    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Loving 3:00
Written-By – Charles Warfield
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2;43
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
20    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:48
Vocals – Bingie Madison, Clarence Williams, Fred Skerritt, Goldie Lucas
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
21    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:24
Vocals – Bingie Madison, Fred Skerritt, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
22    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Henry Jones (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Fred Skerritt (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Banjo – Ikey Robinson (tracks: 1, 2), Leroy Harris (tracks: 5, 6, 9, 10)
Banjo, Guitar – Goldie Lucas (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 5, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 9, 10)
Brass Bass, Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Clarinet – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 16 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Albert Socarras (tracks: 5, 6, 9, 10)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 9 to 12)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Arville Harris (tracks: 9, 10), Bingie Madison (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Prince Robinson (tracks: 5 to 8, 16 to 18)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 7, 8, 11, 12, 16 to 18)
Drums – Bill Beason (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 11, 12)
Jug – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1, 2, 11, 12)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 3 to 10, 16 to 18), Gene Rodgers (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Herman Chittison (tracks: 1, 2), Unknown Artist (tracks: 11, 12)
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 9, 10)
Trombone – Jimmy Archey (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6)
Trombone [?] – Charlie Irvis (tracks: 11, 12)
Trumpet – Bill Dillard (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Charlie Gaines (tracks: 5, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6), Ward Pinkett (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Trumpet [Or] – Charlie Gaines (tracks: 9, 10), Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 9, 10), Roy Eldridge (tracks: 9, 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 7, 8, 16 to 18)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1933 | The Classics Chronological Series – 845 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The tenth CD in the Classics label's very valuable Clarence Williams series has its strong moments, although his band was starting to become somewhat predictable. Two titles feature clarinetist Albert Nicholas in a washboard-jug quintet, and six intriguing songs utilize both Herman Chittison and Willie "The Lion" Smith on piano (with Eva Taylor taking most of the vocals). But most of the other selections are by a quartet comprised of pianist Williams, cornetist Ed Allen (a terrible singer, as he shows on two songs), clarinetist Cecil Scott and the washboard of Floyd Casey. The music is fine, but not quite as special as Williams' slightly earlier recordings with more diverse and versatile bands. Still, this is worth picking up for classic jazz collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Mississippi Basin 3:02
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas
Guitar – Jimmy McLin
Jug – Clarence Williams
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Razaf, Foresythe
2    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    I Like To Go Back In The Evening 2:30
Clarinet – Albert Nicholas
Guitar – Jimmy McLin
Jug – Clarence Williams
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Williams, Clint, Pascoe
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Black-Eyed Susan Brown 2:47
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Tom Tom – Unknown Artist
Washboard, Vocals – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Goodhart, Hoffman, Magidson
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Mama Stayed Out All Night Long 2:44
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Tom Tom – Unknown Artist
Washboard, Vocals – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Razaf, Wilson
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    High Society 2:37
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Tom Tom – Unknown Artist
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Steele, Melrose
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Like To Go In The Evening (To That Old Sweetheart Of Mine) 2:41
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Tom Tom – Unknown Artist
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Williams, Clint, Pascoe
7    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Shim Sham Simmy Dance 3:00
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Kazoo, Vocals – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Eva Taylor, The Lowland Singers
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Razaf, Williams
8    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Organ Grinder Blues 3:40
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Kazoo, Vocals – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Eva Taylor, The Lowland Singers
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Williams
9    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Chizzlin’ Sam 3:10
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug – Clarence Williams
Kazoo, Vocals – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Williams
10    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    High Society 2:53
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug – Clarence Williams
Kazoo – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Piron, Williams
11    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Mister, Will You Serenade? 3:08
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug – Clarence Williams
Kazoo, Vocals – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Robinson
12    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    You Ain’t Too Old 3:03
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Jug – Clarence Williams
Kazoo, Vocals – Clarence Todd
Piano – Herman Chittison, Willie "The Lion" Smith
Washboard – Willie Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Beer Garden Blues 2:49
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Williams, Raymond, Bishop
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    The Right Key But The Wrong Keyhole 2:36
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Green
15    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Dispossessin’ Me 2:39
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet – Ed Allen
Piano – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Schiller, Williams, Bishop
16    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me) 3:03
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet – Ed Allen
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – MacDonald, Hanley, Goodwin
17    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    She Just Got A Little Bit Left 2:57
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Unknown Artist
18    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    After Tonight 3:04
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Williams, Armstrong, Matthews
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Bimbo 2:53
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By – Williams, Palmer
20    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Chocolate Avenue 2:55
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Washboard – Floyd Casey
Written-By [Uncredited] – Sonny Blount
21    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Harlem Rhythm Dance 2:46
Banjo, Guitar – Ikey Robinson
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Razaf, Williams
22    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    ‘Way Down Home 3:00
Banjo, Guitar – Ikey Robinson
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Dowell
23    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    For Sale (Hannah Johnson’s Big Jack Ass) 2:45
Banjo, Guitar – Ikey Robinson
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet, Vocals – Ed Allen
Piano, Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Troy

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1933-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 871 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 11th CD in Classics series of recordings led by pianist-composer-singer Clarence Williams is actually one of the weaker ones due to Chick Bullock taking vocals on seven of the 23 numbers; the two contributions apiece by Dick Robertson and Little Buddy Farrior are not much better even if Williams' own verbal spots on six songs are reasonably enjoyable. With only three instrumentals, the results are less memorable than usual although there are some strong moments contributed by cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Cecil Scott, pianist James P. Johnson (who is not featured enough) and guitarist Roy Smeck. Recommended mostly to completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Swaller-Tail Coat 3:04
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Bob Miller
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Looka-There, Ain't She Pretty 2:31
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Clarence Todd
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    St. Louis Blues 2:52
Written-By – W.C. Handy
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    How Can I Get It? 3:00
Vocals – Ed Allen
Written-By – Spencer Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    On The Sunny Side Of The Street 2:55
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – McHugh, Fields
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Won't You Come Over And Say "Hello" 2:29
Written-By – Barnett, Williams
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Old Street Sweeper 3:01
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Sullivan, Gray
8    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Wash My Sins Away 2:59
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Brevard
9    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jimmy Had A Nickel 2:52
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Goodhart, Hoffman, Siglar
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    He's A Colonel From Kentucky 2:38
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Baer, Tobias, Scholl, Mencher
11    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Pretty Baby, Is It Yes Or No? 2:54
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Brevard
12    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Mister, Will You Serenade? 2:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Robinson
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I've Got Horses And Got Numbers On My Mind 2:50
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Bernard, Bibo, Wirges
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    New Orleans Hop Scop Blues 2:50
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Thomas
15    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Let's Have A Showdown 2:50
Written-By – Page, Pinkard
16    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can't Dance, I Got Ants In My Pants 2:58
Vocals – Charlie Gaines, Louis Jordan
Written-By – Gaines, Williams
17    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Christmas Night In Harlem 2:38
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Parish, Scott
18    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Ill Wind (You're Blowing Me No Good) 3:02
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    As Long As I Live 2:48
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
20    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Tell The Truth 2:47
Vocals – Little Buddy Farrior
Written-By – Scott, O'Frye
21    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Sashay, Oh Boy! 3:07
Vocals – Little Buddy Farrior
Written-By – Scott, O'Frye
22    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    I Can't Beat You Doin' What You're Doin' To Me 2:38
Written-By – Piron, Williams
23    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Trouble 3:13
Written-By – Walman, Rofkin, Blank
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Louis Jordan (tracks: 16 to 19)
Alto Saxophone [Two] – Unknown Artist (tracks: 20, 21)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair
Clarinet – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 19, 22, 23)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 20, 21)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 19, 22, 23), Unknown Artist (tracks: 20, 21)
Drums [?] – Floyd Casey (tracks: 20, 21)
Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 8)
Guitar, Banjo – Roy Smeck (tracks: 9 to 12)
Guitar, Steel Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 13 to 15)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 22, 23), James P. Johnson (tracks: 2 to 6, 9 to 19)
Piano [?] – Don Frye (tracks: 20, 21)
Steel Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 3, 5)
Tenor Saxophone [?] – Louis Jordan (tracks: 16, 17)
Trombone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 13 to 15)
Trumpet – Charlie Gaines (tracks: 16 to 19)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 12, 16 to 19, 22, 23) 

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 891 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In 1997, the Classics label released a twelfth volume in their unprecedented series devoted to the complete chronological recordings of Clarence Williams. Eighteen selections dating from a three-month segment of the year 1934 collectively feature Harlem stride pianists James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith, cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Cecil Scott, guitarist Roy Smeck, banjoist Ikey Robinson, bassist Richard Fullbright, tuba technician Cyrus St. Clair, and drummer/washboard handler Floyd Casey. Vocals are by Williams, his wife Eva Taylor, Ed Allen, Ikey Robinson, and composer/comedian Clarence Todd. Tracks 11-18 are by the Alabama Jug Band, with Williams delivering substantial basslines using that old-time staple of down-home musical entertainment, a ceramic whiskey jug. Williams has been posthumously ridiculed for his vaudevillian sensibilities and hokum recordings, but the truth about this man is that he was one of the great publishers and producers of African-American music during the 1920s and '30s. Disparaging comments about his pianistic prowess are directly traceable to Willie "The Lion" Smith, one of the toughest critics who ever passed judgment upon his fellow musicians. Williams was a perfectly capable pianist and a rather shrewd and at times opportunistic businessman who produced Bessie Smith's earliest recording sessions and served as her accompanist, published Fats Waller's first important compositions, recorded comedic piano duets with James P. Johnson, and led a series of recording ensembles that included cornetists King Oliver and Louis Armstrong as well as powerhouse reedman Sidney Bechet. The recordings that Williams presided over between July 6 and October 3, 1934 are among his most sanguine and substantial, particularly the outrageous tale of "Jerry the Junker" and the gutsy "Jazz It Blues," which has a vocal refrain by the Ham and Cabbage Trio. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jerry The Junker 3:04
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Stout
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Organ Grinder Blues 3:07
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Clarence Williams
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I'm Gettin' My Bonus In Love 2:42
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Grainger
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Chizzlin' Sam 2:52
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Clarence Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Big Fat Mama 2:45
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Williams, Calaway, Roland
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Ain’t Gonna Give You None Of My Jelly Roll 2:32
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Williams
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Saw Stars 3:09
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Goodhart, Hoffman, Sigler
8    Eva Taylor And Her Boy Friends–    Crazy Blues 2:23
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Bradford
9    Eva Taylor And Her Boy Friends–    The Stuff Is Here And It’s Mellow 2:33
Written-By – Williams, Bishop, Smith
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Rhapsody In Love 2:52
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Trent
11    Alabama Jug Band–    "Ida" Sweet As Apple Cider 2:42
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Eddie Leonard
12    Alabama Jug Band–    My Gal Sal 2:48
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Paul Dresser
13    Alabama Jug Band–    Gulf Coast Blues 3:04
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Alabama Jug Band–    I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate 2:36
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Armand Piron
15    Alabama Jug Band–    Jazz It Blues 2:50
Vocals – Ham and Cabbage Trio
Written-By – Tom Delaney
16    Alabama Jug Band–    Somebody Stole My Gal 2:51
Written-By – Leo Wood
17    Alabama Jug Band–    Crazy Blues 3:14
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Perry Bradford
18    Alabama Jug Band–    Sugar Blues 2:34
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Fletcher
Credits :    
Banjo – Ikey Robinson (tracks: 11 to 18)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 15 to 18)
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet – Ed Allen
Double Bass [String Bass ?] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 11 to 14)
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 5 to 10)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 5 to 10)
Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 7 to 10)
Guitar [?] – Roy Smeck (tracks: 5, 6)
Kazoo – Clarence Todd (tracks: 15 to 18)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 5, 6), James P. Johnson (tracks: 1 to 4), Willie "The Lion" Smith (tracks: 7 to 10)
Trombone [?] – Dicky Wells (tracks: 7 to 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 4, 11 to 14)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1934-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 918 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Classics' 13th Clarence Williams CD has his final studio recordings with the exception of five slightly later numbers. Although not quite on the same level as Williams' earlier sides, there are some spirited performances to be heard on these five sessions. Cornetist Ed Allen, Cecil Scott (on clarinet and tenor) and clarinetist Buster Bailey (on the six selections from 1937) are the key soloists; most numbers have a washboard in the ensembles, and vocals are taken by Chick Bullock (forgettable in his three appearances), Eva Taylor, William Cooley and Williams himself. Classics deserves congratulations for persevering with this important series, for Clarence Williams led some of the hottest small groups dates of the '20s and '30s; all of the discs are recommended to pre-bop collectors. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    'Tain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do 2:23
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Robbins, Grainger
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can't Think Of Anything But You 2:44
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Williams
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Sugar Blues 2:32
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Williams, Fletcher
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jungle Crawl 2:27
Written-By – Williams, Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can See You All Over The Place 2:43
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Savin' Up My Baby 2:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Golden
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Milk Cow Blues 2:55
Written-By – Arnold
8    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Black Gal 2:43
Written-By – Washington
9    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    A Foolish Little Girl Like You 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Amshel, Little, Bibo
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    There's Gonna Be The Devil To Pay 2:44
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hueston, Emmerich
11    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    This Is My Sunday Off 2:48
Written-By – Brooks Jr.
12    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Yama Yama Blues 2:56
Written-By – Williams, Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Let Every Day Be Mother's Day 2:57
Written-By – Williams, Hammed, Smith
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Lady Luck Blues 2:55
Written-By – Williams, Weber
15    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Cryin' Blues 2:16
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Razaf, Webb
16    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Top Of The Town 2:47
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Adamson, McHugh
17    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Turn Off The Moon 2:52
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Coslow
18    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    More Than That 2:53
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Barnett, Williams
19    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Jammin' 2:49
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Coslow
20    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Wanted 2:24
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Lawrence, Tinturin
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone [?] – Louis Jordan (tracks: 1 to 4)
Alto Saxophone [Second] – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4)
Banjo – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4)
Bass [Stringbass] – Richard Fullbright* (tracks: 1 to 4)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 11 to 20), Unknown Artist (tracks: 7 to 10)
Brass Bass [?] – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 5, 6)
Clarinet – Buster Bailey (tracks: 15 to 20), Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 14)
Cornet – Ed Allen
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 4)
Guitar [?] – Jimmy McLin (tracks: 11 to 14), Roy Smeck (tracks: 5 to 10)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 5 to 20)
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 14), Prince Robinson (tracks: 15 to 20)
Trombone [?] – Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 7 to 9)
Trumpet – Unknown Artist (tracks: 7 to 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 15 to 20)
Washboard [?] – Bruce Johnson (tracks: 7 to 10), Willie Williams (tracks: 11 to 14)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1937-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 953 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 14th and final Clarence Williams Classics CD completes the complete reissuance of all of his recordings. By 1937, Williams' career was winding down and his music was far overshadowed by the big swing orchestras. Although the first 15 selections on this CD are listed as being by "Clarence Williams' Swing Band," all but three numbers are spirituals that showcase the forgettable singing of William Cooley. The impressive group (which includes cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Buster Bailey, altoist Russell Procope and Cecil Scott on tenor and clarinet) has little to do, except on the instrumentals, and the overall results are a bit disappointing. Also on the CD are three selections from 1938 by an organ-piano-drums trio (two of the songs have vocals by Babe Matthews) that do not actually include Williams. Concluding the lesser release are a pair of performances from 1941 in which Eva Taylor and Clarence Williams are heard on vocals while joined by pianist James P. Johnson (Williams plays second piano), two guitars and bassist Wellman Braud. These final numbers (pity there were not more) hint at the earlier classic recordings and served as Clarence Williams' last hurrah. Completists will want this set. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Feel De Spirit 3:29
Traditional
2    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Old Time Religion 2:48
Traditional
3    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Lord Deliver Daniel 2:07
Traditional
4    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Sweet Kisses 2:09
Written-By – Williams
5    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Go Down Moses 2:20
Traditional
6    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Do You Call Dat Religion ? 2:14
Traditional
7    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Jericho 2:53
Traditional
8    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Lazy Swing 2:54
Traditional
9    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Roll, Jordan, Roll 2:20
Traditional
10    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Heaven, Heaven 2:12
Traditional
11    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    There Is Love 2:30
Written-By – Clarence Williams
12    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    It's Me, O Lord 2:40
Traditional
13    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Get On Board, Li'l Chillun 2:20
Traditional
14    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Step On It 2:31
Traditional
15    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 3:06
Traditional
16    Clarence Williams' Trio–    Bluer Than Blue 2:26
Written-By – Lil Hardin-Armstrong
17    Clarence Williams' Trio–    I'm Falling For You 2:41
Written-By – Joe Hubert
18    Clarence Williams' Trio–    Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) 1:58
Written-By – Gershwin, Gershwin
19    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Uncle Sammy, Here I Am 3:09
Written-By – Williams, Miller, Johnson
20    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Thriller Blues 2:35
Written-By – Williams, Harper, Barlow
Credits :    
Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 9 to 15), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 8), Wellman Braud (tracks: 19, 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 1 to 10, 12 to 15), Russell Procope (tracks: 1 to 10, 12 to 15)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 15)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 15)
Drums – Cozy Cole (tracks: 16 to 18)
Drums [?] – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 15)
Guitar – Grace Harper (tracks: 19, 20), Nathan Barlow (tracks: 19, 20)
Organ – Don Baker (tracks: 16 to 18)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1 to 15, 19, 20), Connie Berry (tracks: 16 to 18), James P. Johnson (tracks: 19, 20)
Vocals – Babe Matthews (tracks: 16, 17), William Cooley (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9 to 13, 15), Clarence Williams (tracks: 12, 19), Eva Taylor (tracks: 19, 20)

SLIM GAILLARD – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 705 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Slim's story begins in Detroit, where Bulee Gaillard was born on January 4, 1916. He seems to have inherited a bizarre sense of recklessness from his father, an absent-minded cruise-ship employee who at one point misplaced little Bulee, sailing off and leaving the boy stranded on the island of Crete for half a year. Multi-instrumental and able to sing and tap dance, Slim began his performing career in the early '30s. He invaded New York in 1937 and made his first appearance on records in April of that year with Frank Newton's Uptown Serenaders. These two rare sides were issued on Classics 643, the Chronological series' outstanding Frankie Newton volume with the title 1937-1939. Their reappearance at the beginning of Slim's chronology is fortuitous rather than redundant. Slim had a warm and pleasant voice. He was archetypically hip; he scatted with ease and sounded perfectly at home in the company of Frankie Newton, Edmond Hall, Russell Procope, and Pete Brown. Slim Gaillard's most famous tune materialized ten months later, on February 17, 1938. This was the very first in a long series of lively duets with bassist Slam Stewart. Bolstered by piano, percussion, and an occasional saxophone, the act became known as Slim & Slam. Their bottle-rocket hit record was originally supposed to be called "Flat Foot Floozy" but the word "floozy," denoting an inexpensive prostitute, seemed immoral to the folks in charge at Vocalion Records, so Slim changed it to "Floogie." Confusing things even further, Vocalion issued the song as "The Flat Fleet Floogee." None of this interfered with the success of Gaillard's magnum opus. Its rowdiest incarnation was recorded in London on August 21, 1938, by Fats Waller & His Continental Rhythm, with all the subtlety of a merry brawl. Slim & Slam's original version set the pace and established a pattern for their many subsequent collaborations, which continued until Gaillard was inducted into the armed forces in 1943. These 1938 recordings are the freshest and most endearing of all. "Chinatown," in spite of its ethnic slurring, demonstrates Gaillard's incredible ability to run his mouth in hilarious and surprising ways. The two men's unique voices -- surrealistic Slim and bowing, singing Slam -- mingle most pleasantly. "Tutti Frutti" and "Look-A There" are good examples of the kind of a groove these guys liked to glide with. "Vol Vist du Gaily Star" is strangely attractive. "Laughin' in Rhythm" was attempted by other musicians, but nobody ever came close to the outrageousness of this recording. Gaillard's lifelong involvement with cannabis seems to be documented here in high relief. The hilarity is authentic, and Gaillard is in the throes of a coughing fit as the record fades out. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Frank Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    There's No Two Ways About It 2:53
Vocals – Slim Gaillard
2    Frank Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    'Cause My Baby Says It's So 2:40
Vocals – Slim Gaillard
3    Slim & Slam–    The Flat Foot Floogie    2:47
4    Slim & Slam–    Chinatown, My Chinatown    2:35
5    Slim & Slam–    That's What You Call Romance    2:47
6    Slim & Slam–    Ti-Pi-Tin    2:31
7    Slim & Slam–    8, 9, And 10    2:39
8    Slim & Slam–    Dancing On The Beach    3:04
9    Slim & Slam–    Oh, Lady, Be Good    2:39
10    Slim & Slam–    Ferdinand The Bull    2:51
11    Slim & Slam–    Tutti Frutti    2:35
12    Slim & Slam–    Look-A There    2:12
13    Slim & Slam–    Humpty Dumpty    2:28
14    Slim & Slam–    Jump Session    2:33
15    Slim & Slam–    Laughin' In Rhythm    2:35
16    Slim & Slam–    Vol Vist Du Gaily Star    2:41
17    Slim & Slam–    Dopey Joe    2:01
18    Slim & Slam–    Sweet Safronia    2:07
19    Slim & Slam–    It's Gettin' Kinda Chilly    2:29
20    Slim & Slam–    Buck Dance Rhythm    2:38
Credits :    
Acoustic Bass – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 1, 2)
Acoustic Bass, Vocals – Slam Stewart (tracks: 3 to 20)
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown (tracks: 1, 2), Russell Procope (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Edmond Hall (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums – Cozy Cole (tracks: 1, 2), Pompey "Guts" Dobson (tracks: 3 to 20), Slim Gaillard (tracks: 3 to 20)
Guitar – John Smith (tracks: 1, 2), Slim Gaillard (tracks: 3 to 20)
Piano – Don Frye (tracks: 1, 2), Sam Allen (tracks: 3 to 20)
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon (tracks: 14 to 20)
Trumpet, Alto Saxophone – Frank Newton (tracks: 1, 2)
Vibraphone [occasional] – Slim Gaillard (tracks: 3 to 20)
Vocals – Slim Gaillard

BOB HOWARD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1121 (2000) | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bob Howard recorded frequently for Decca during 1935-1938. The Decca label was hoping that his jivey vocal records would duplicate the commercial success of Fats Waller's Rhythm sides for Victor, but Howard remained comparatively obscure. For this classics chronological study, Howard leads six band dates which find his vocals accompanied by such notable swing players as trumpeter Bunny Berigan (who is on eight songs), clarinetists Cecil Scott and Artie Shaw, trombonist Benny Morton, pianists Frank Froeba and Frank Signorelli, and the team of trumpeter Eddie Farley and trombonist Mike Riley. Among the tunes are "Lost My Rhythm, Lost My Music, Lost My Girl," "It's Written in the Stars," "You Hit the Spot," "Spreadin' Rhythm Around," and "Wake Up and Sing." Concluding this CD are four medleys (two or three songs apiece) featuring Howard as a pianist (accompanied by drummer Ronnie Gubertini) recorded in London. Overall, this is one of the best of the Bob Howard collections. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1     Lost My Rhythm, Lost My Music, Lost My Girl 3:07
Brown / Maxwell / Akst
2     I'm Painting the Town Red 2:35
Charles Newman / Sam H. Stept / Charles Tobias
3     It's Funny What a Kiss Can Do 2:28
Unknown Blues Band
4     Sugar Plum 3:02
Arthur Johnson / Arthur Johnston / Gus Kahn
5     It's Written in the Stars 2:35
Jack Little / Fred Rose
6     Give Me a Break, Baby 2:33
Unknown Blues Band
7     Whose Big Baby Are You? 2:50
Ted Koehler / Jimmy McHugh
8     Much Too Much 3:01
Unknown Blues Band
9     Garbo Green 2:29
Fred Fisher
10     You Hit the Spot 2:35
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
11     Spreadin' Rhythm Around 2:47
Ted Koehler / Jimmy McHugh
12     Wake Up and Sing 2:32
Unknown Blues Band
13     If Love Is Blind 2:38
Cahn / Chaplin / Raye
14     The Best Things Happen at Night 2:35
Unknown Blues Band
15     Public Weakness No. 1 2:56
Fred Rose
16     Let's Not Fall in Love 2:32
Unknown Blues Band
17     Swing It, Bob, Pt. 1: Intro. I Ain't Got Nobody/I Can't Give You ... 2:53
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
18     Swing It, Bob, Pt. 2: Intro. Some of These Days/Limehouse ... 2:25
Brooks / Braham / Furber     
19     Swing It, Bob, Pt. 3: Intro. Solitude/Nobody's Sweetheart/St. ... 3:01
Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
20     Swing It, Bob, Pt. 4: Intro. Chinatown My Chinatown/Tiger Rag 2:52
Schwartz / La Rocca

FRANKIE NEWTON – 1937-1939 (1992) The Classics Chronological Series – 643 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Welcome to the incredibly solid and inexplicably overlooked music of Frankie Newton, a formidable trumpeter who led a series of bracingly hot swing bands during the late '30s. First comes a hotter than average version of "You Showed Me the Way," with Clarence Palmer singing in a voice that has just a bit of Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon about it. Pete Brown, Cecil Scott, and Edmond Hall heat up the entire first session, and when you add Russell Procope the fur really flies. Listeners even get to hear clarinetist Hall doubling on baritone saxophone. Even more exciting is the presence of Bulee "Slim" Gaillard, making what must be two of his first appearances on record. Slim scats up a storm and the band wails back at him. On July 13, 1937, the Uptown Serenaders came out with the most notoriously weird and irrepressibly hot record ever to appear under Newton's name: "The Onyx Hop" begins as a scorcher, and then Frankie and Pete chant the following lyrics in a strange, stoned-out duet: "Come with me and smoke some tea and I shall carry on/Look out, fellow, let me pass, I shan't be out here long/Love my wife but what has that got to do with this song?/She stayed out one hour overtime, I stayed out all night long/Went down to the Onyx Club and had myself a ball/I got tight off of scotch and stuff and like not got home at all." This recitation quickly ignites a boiling out-chorus. It is one of the funniest and most dazzling uptown swing recordings of the 1930s, and here it is sandwiched between two globs of molasses as Leon LaFell groans out a pair of sentimental songs, probably perceived as necessary confections for the pop audience. But who cares! This incongruity is quickly forgotten as the session of January 13, 1939, appears in its entirety, with James P. Johnson, Pete Brown, and Mezz Mezzrow in addition to Al Casey, John Kirby, and Cozy Cole. Bits and pieces of this session have been reissued here and there over the years, but rarely has the entire session been made available in this way. Three of these tunes, two slow drags and a stomp, were devised by the Mighty Mezz, who more often than not proved to be a good source of solid grooves and funky atmosphere. The effect of six consecutive selections played by this incredible band is downright intoxicating, as is the rest of the material presented here. "Daybreak Blues" and "After Hour Blues," gently but firmly rendered by Newton in front of Albert Ammons, Teddy Bunn, Johnny Williams, and Sid Catlett, constitute the very beginnings of the Blue Note record label. They have previously appeared under the heading of the Port of Harlem Jazzmen, reissued however briefly by the good people at Mosaic Records. Frankie's Cafe Society Orchestra has Tab Smith playing soprano saxophone during the relaxing "Tab's Blues," while "Jitters," "Frankie's Jump," and "Jam Fever" are cookers. "Vamp" bases its dance rhythm on a very simple line. "Parallel Fifths," a walking blues with an underlying boogie-woogie attitude, provides a smooth finish to this almost perfect package of vintage uptown swing. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    You Showed Me The Way 2:44
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Vocals – Clarence Palmer
Written-By – Green, McCrae
2    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone 2:34
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Stept, Clare
3    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    Who's Sorry Now? 2:44
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Kalmar, Ruby, Snyder
4    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    I Found A New Baby 2:37
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown, Russell Procope
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Edmond Hall
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
5    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    The Brittwood Stomp (I'm A Ding Dong Daddy) 2:42
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown, Russell Procope
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Edmond Hall
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Trumpet, Written-By – Frank Newton
6    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    There's No Two Ways About It 2:53
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown, Russell Procope
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Edmond Hall
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Vocals – Slim Gaillard
Written-By – Adamson, McHugh
7    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    'Cause My Baby Says It's So 2:40
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown, Russell Procope
Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Edmond Hall
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – John Smith
Piano – Don Frye
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Vocals – Slim Gaillard
Written-By – Dubin, Warren
8    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    Easy Living 2:47
Alto Saxophone – Gene Johnson, Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – O'Neil Spencer
Guitar – Frank Rice
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Vocals – Leon LaFell
Written-By – Robin, Rainger
9    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    The Onyx Hop 2:44
Alto Saxophone – Gene Johnson
Alto Saxophone, Vocals – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – O'Neil Spencer
Guitar – Frank Rice
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet, Vocals, Written-By – Frank Newton
10    Frankie Newton And His Uptown Serenaders–    Where Or When 2:32
Alto Saxophone – Gene Johnson, Pete Brown
Clarinet – Edmond Hall
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – O'Neil Spencer
Guitar – Frank Rice
Piano – Don Frye
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Vocals – Leon LaFell
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
11    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    Rosetta
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Hines
12    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    Minor Jive 3:05
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet, Written-By – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
13    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise 3:11
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Seitz, Lockhart
14    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    Who? 3:09
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
Written-By – Kern, Hammerstein, Harbach
15    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    The Blues My Baby Gave To Me 3:12
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet, Written-By – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
16    Frankie Newton And Orchestra–    Rompin' 2:33
Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown
Clarinet, Written-By – Mezz Mezzrow
Double Bass [String Bass] – John Kirby
Drums – Cozy Cole
Guitar – Albert Casey
Piano – James P. Johnson
Trumpet – Frank Newton
17    Frank Newton Quintet–    Daybreak Blues 2:38
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Sidney Catlett
Guitar – Teddy Bunn
Piano – Albert Ammons
Trumpet – Frank Newton
18    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Tab's Blues 2:54
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trumpet – Frank Newton
19    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Jitters 3:00
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trumpet – Frank Newton
20    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Frankie's Jump 2:46
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trumpet, Written-By – Frank Newton
21    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Jam Fever 3:06
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trumpet – Frank Newton
22    Frank Newton Quintet–    After Hour Blues 4:07
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Sidney Catlett
Guitar – Teddy Bunn
Piano – Meade Lux Lewis
Trumpet – Frank Newton
23    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Vamp 2:51
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trombone – Dicky Wells
Trumpet – Frank Newton
24    Frankie Newton And His Café Society Orchestra–    Parallel Fifths 3:15
Alto Saxophone – Stanley Payne
Double Bass [String Bass] – Johnny Williams
Drums – Eddie Dougherty
Guitar – Ulysses Livingston
Piano – Kenny Kersey
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Tab Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Kenneth Hollon
Trombone – Dicky Wells
Trumpet, Written-By – Frank Newton

DICKIE WELLS – 1927-1943 (1997) The Classics Chronological Series – 937 | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is the definitive Dickie Wells collection, presenting three very distinct periods in his remarkable career. As an appetizer for five sessions led by this fine trombonist, listeners get to hear his very first recordings, with Springfield, OH, native Lloyd Scott's orchestra in 1927 and Lloyd's brother Cecil Scott's Bright Boys -- featuring trumpeters Frankie Newton and Bill Coleman -- in 1929. This shot of seven outstanding old-fashioned numbers is a perfect example of great music from the late '20s, all but forgotten by the public today but available to dedicated early jazz addicts as part of the Classics Chronological Series. Dickie Wells spent the first half of the 1930s working in bands led by Elmer Snowden, Benny Carter, Chick Webb, and Fletcher Henderson. He joined Teddy Hill's band in 1934 and it was with Hill that Wells traveled to Paris during the summer of 1937. At the heart of this collection lie 12 marvelous recordings waxed during that tour, with the great Django Reinhardt and a few of his French friends sitting in with Wells (billed here as "Dicky") and a small team of seasoned North American swing musicians. Bill Coleman made himself at home, scat singing with gutsy nonchalance on "Hangin' Around Boudon." Additional trumpeters were Bill Dillard and Shad Collins, with further U.S. input from alto saxophonist Howard Johnson, pianist Sam Allen, bassist Richard Fullbright, and ace drummer Bill Beason. Dickie Wells was an accomplished trombonist, capable of expressing a full range of human emotions using growls, smears, glissandi, and honest, straight-up melodic candor. "Oh, Lady Be Good" and "Dicky Wells Blues" feature the trombone backed by a rhythm trio, highlighting his musical personality in living color. A veritable chasm lies between these 1937 recordings and the next session, recorded in December 1943 for Bob Thiele's Signature label. By this time, Wells had come through the fire of the Count Basie Orchestra, bringing with him several key players from that formidable swing machine. Most importantly, listeners get to hear Lester Young only months before his ill-fated encounter with the U.S. Army. Prez, Dickie, and Bill Coleman are each in fine form, jamming hard with solid support from a fine rhythm section in pianist Ellis Larkins, guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Al Hall, and master drummer Jo Jones. Because of Wells' nominal leadership and the fact that it was originally issued by a small independent label, this session is less well-known than Young's work with Basie and his Aladdin and Verve recordings. It is essential listening for all Lester Young fans, and should be digested along with Young's remarkable Keynote Quartet session that took place one week later. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1 Harlem Shuffle 3:03    
Kenneth Roane
Dicky Wells / feat: Lloyd Scott & His Orchestra
2 Symphonic Screach (Symphonic Scronch) 2:50    
Don Frye / Hubert Mann / Lloyd Scott
Dicky Wells / feat: Lloyd Scott & His Orchestra
3 Happy Hour Blues 2:40    
Don Frye / Lloyd Scott
Dicky Wells feat: Lloyd Scott & His Orchestra
4 Lawd, Lawd 3:07    
Cecil Scott
Dicky Wells feat: Cecil Scott & His Bright Boys
5 In a Corner 2:54    
Cecil Scott
Dicky Wells feat: Cecil Scott & His Bright Boys
6 Bright Boy Blues 3:06    
Don Frye / Cecil Scott
Dicky Wells feat: Cecil Scott & His Bright Boys
7 Springfield Stomp 3:07    
Don Frye / Cecil Scott
Dicky Wells feat: Cecil Scott & His Bright Boys
8 Bugle Call Rag 2:40    
Billy Meyers / Jack Pettis / Elmer Schoebel
 9 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 2:45    
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
 10 I Got Rhythm 2:11    
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
 11 Sweet Sue 3:03    
Will J. Harris / Victor Young
 12 Hangin' Around Boudon 2:52    
Dicky Wells
13 Japanese Sandman 2:56    
Richard A. Whiting / Albert Willemetz
 14 I've Found a New Baby 2:50    
Jack Palmer / Spencer Williams
 15 Dinah 2:46    
Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young
 16 Nobody's Blues But My Own 3:00    
Dicky Wells
 17 Hot Club Blues 3:06    
Dicky Wells
 18 Oh, Lady Be Good 2:55    
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
 19 Dicky Wells Blues 3:18    
Dicky Wells
 20 I Got Rhythm 4:13    
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
21 I'm Fer It, Too 4:10    
Dicky Wells
22 Linger Awhile 3:05    
Harry Owens / Vincent Rose
23 Hello Babe 3:06
Dicky Wells