LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1936-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 512 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Continuing the complete chronological reissue of Louis Armstrong's output for Decca during the swing era, this set finds Satch at his most exhibitionistic (hitting dozens of high notes on "Swing That Music"), fronting Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra, doing a "Pennies from Heaven" medley with Bing Crosby, joining in for two collaborations with The Mills Brothers and, on four selections, even making charming (if weird) music with a group of Hawaiians. Not essential but quite enjoyable. Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

LOUIS ARMSTRONG – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1283 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This series on the Classics label will be of great interest to collectors of classic jazz. The sessions are in chronological order and highlight alternate takes and radio broadcasts of historic jazz. 1951-19522 contains 23 tracks on a single disc including versions of "Big Butter and Egg Man," "When It's Sleepy Time Down South," "Takes Two to Tango," and " Indian Love Call." While the disc is definitely directed toward collectors, anyone with an interest in this period of jazz will also enjoy it. Al Campbell   Tracklist + Credits :

LUIS RUSSELL AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1926-1929 | The Chronogical Classics – 588 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics Russell collection and the label's later 1929-1934 disc round up the entire output by the Panamanian bandleader. And while some know them better for the fact they eventually morphed into Louis Armstrong's first big band in the early '30s, Russell's outfit originally cut some of the best sides to surface during the music's transition from early jazz to big band music. The cream of the tracks were recorded between 1929-1930, when the group included such top soloists as trumpeter Henry Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, saxophonists Charlie Holmes and Albert Nicholas, bassist Pops Foster, and drummer Paul Barbarin. The majority of the collection spotlights this period, with such standouts as "Jersey Lightning," "The New Call of the Freaks," and "African Jungle." Starting things off, though, are eight numbers from Russell's first sessions as a leader (this was while he was still with King Oliver). Featuring Victoria Spivey on vocals and two Jell Roll Morton alums in Kid Ory and George Mitchell, the Chicago-cut sides, while not on par with the later large-band tracks, still impress with their mix of New Orleans and Chicago styles. A quality disc that's best left to completists; newcomers should first consider JSP's superior-sounding Savoy Shout collection as a starting point. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist + Credits :

LUIS RUSSELL AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930-1934 | The Chronogical Classics – 606 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's a shame this and the earlier Classics collection split up the bandleader's prime 1930 recordings, but such is the way of a strictly chronological series. Those wanting just one disc that covers most of Russell's best work will want to pick up JSP's Savoy Shout disc, which includes 22 cuts from 1929-1930. But for collectors in need of all of the recordings Russell cut before Louis Armstrong practically swallowed up his band whole in 1934, the two Classics discs will certainly do the trick. And while this later disc pales a bit to the 1926-1930 collection, its first half does feature classic work from Russell's band and its spin-off combo, J.C. Higginbotham and His Six Hicks. Along with Higginbotham's own irrepressible trombone work, these sides also offer a wealth of solo treats from such band standouts as trumpeter Henry Allen and saxophonists Charlie Holmes and Albert Nicholas. The later 1931 and 1934 recordings might not match up to earlier classics like "Panama" and "Song of the Swanee," but they still include enough fine performances amongst the filler to keep the quality level up. A worthwhile disc, but one that's probably best suited for Russell completists. Stephen Cook
Tracklist + Credits :

HENRY "RED" ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1929-1933 | The Chronogical Classics – 540 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of a five-volume CD series released by the European Classics label that reissues all of the recordings led by trumpeter Red Allen during 1929-41 is one of the best. The great trumpeter is first heard fronting the Luis Russell Orchestra for such classics as "It Should Be You" and "Biff'ly Blues," he interacts with blues singer Victoria Spivey, and on the selections from 1933 (two of which were previously unreleased) he co-leads a group with tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins. Not all of the performances are gems but there are many memorable selections including "How Do They Do It That Way," "Pleasin' Paul," "Sugar Hill Function,," and "Patrol Wagon Blues." Other soloists include trombonists J.C. Higginbottham and Dicky Wells, clarinetist Albert Nicholas and altoist Charlie Holmes. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

COOTIE WILLIAMS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 827 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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MILLS BLUE RHYTHM BAND – 1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 660 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of five CDs that reissue all of the recordings (other than a few alternate takes) by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band features spirited ensembles, some swinging moments, a few dated vocalists (including Chick Bullock, Dick Robertson and Charlie Lawman), and a no-name orchestra. Trombonist Harry White and pianist Edgar Hayes were the co-leaders, although the orchestra was actually organized by impresario Irving Mills. Since the group's best recordings tended to be in its later years, this CD is not essential, but fans of pre-swing big bands will want all five CDs. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist + Credits : 

MILLS BLUE RHYTHM BAND – 1931-1932 | The Classics Chronological Series – 676 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although somewhat forgotten, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band was one of the better jazz orchestras of the early 1930s. Classics has reissued all of the big band's recordings over five CDs. In its early days, the band did not have an excess of famous soloists (altoist Charlie Holmes, from the Luis Russell, band was the first "name" to join), but the band improved with time and always featured excellent ensembles (with fine arrangements from trombonist Harry White), along with worthwhile solo statements. The second Classics Blue Rhythm CD is highlighted by "The Scat Song," "Doin' the Shake," "The Growl," "Rhythm Spasm" and "White Lightning." Scott Yanow  
Tracklist + Credits :

JAMES P. JOHNSON – 1921-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 658 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Oh man, this is it. The very earliest phonograph records ever made by the guy who taught Fats Waller how to stride with a piano. How much really great jazz is there on record dating from 1921? Not a hell of a lot, by anybody's estimation. Classics 658 opens up with three 1921 piano solos, one originally issued on the Black Swan label and two bearing the trademark OKeh. Johnson was already famous for his player piano rolls, which he'd begun to produce back in 1916. Getting to hear an audio recording of him at the keyboard so early in the game is an experience not to be missed by anyone who truly loves this part of our cultural heritage. Yet if the solo piano version of "Carolina Shout" makes for nearly three minutes of joyous listening, the impossibly rare eight-piece band rendition might cause vertigo among those who take this kind of historical material personally. Jimmie Johnson's Jazz Boys and James P. Johnson's Harmony Eight sound a bit like Eubie Blake's early-'20s ensembles, with that precious sort of pit orchestra ambience belonging to those distant days. Contemporary ensembles may reinterpret the material, but nobody will ever be able to re-create the sound of jazz in 1921 as heard on these historical recordings. Spread across three different recording labels, the six piano solos from 1923 provide a fascinating glimpse at where Johnson was at in his musical evolution during this important year. A quick jump to 1927 yields gorgeous solo readings of "Snowy Morning Blues" and Perry Bradford's "All That I Had Is Gone." Bradford himself makes a bit of noise kicking lyrics around on two sides by a seven-piece mob called the Original Jazz Hounds and two more by Johnson's Jazzers, consisting only of Johnson and cornet man Louis Metcalf. Four sides from 1928 round off this wonderful retrospective. Cornet ace Johnny Dunn leads his Original Jazz Hounds with reedman Garvin Bushell backed by both James P. Johnson and Fats Waller at the piano. "What's the Use of Being Alone?" is late-'20s New York jazz at its very finest. Two slow drags by Jimmy Johnson's Orchestra feature Fats Waller, Cootie Williams, and Charlie Holmes, along with train conductor impersonations by Perry Bradford. The entire ensemble sobs its way through "Mournful Tho'ts" without divulging the name of the trombonist, who momentarily does a marvelous job of submerging the mood under several inches of murky water. A staggering assortment of rare recordings covering seven years out of a decade that never ceases to amaze those who take the time to listen back on those recordings that have managed to survive. arwulf arwulf
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CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1929-1930 | The Classics Chronological Series – 810 (1995) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The eighth CD in the European Classics series which is reissuing complete and in chronological order all of the recordings led by pianist/composer Clarence Williams documents his activity from a ten-month period. During this era Williams varied his personnel and instrumentation from session to session and the results are quite varied yet consistently hot. Williams's groups feature such sidemen as cornetist Ed Allen, trumpeter Charlie Gaines, the reeds of Arville Harris and Russell Procope, the enthusiastic tuba of Cyrus St. Clair, Floyd Casey on drums and washboard, two excellent vocals apiece by Margaret Webster (her "You've Got to Give Me Some" is a near-classic) and Eva Taylor and, on eight selections, the masterful pianist James P. Johnson. The highpoints are "How Could I Be Blue?" and "I've Found a New Baby," performances taken as piano duets by Johnson and Williams that include some humorous conversation. All of the CDs in this very valuable series are highly recommended to collectors of 1920s jazz. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Whoop It Up 2:49
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Mike Jackson
2    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    I'm Not Worrying 3:01
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Waller
3    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    High Society 3:08
Written-By – Armand Piron
4    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    Whoop It Up 3:15
Written-By – Mike Jackson
5    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    A Pane In The Glass 2:58
Written-By – Clarence Williams
6    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Freeze Out 2:47
Written-By – Fats Waller
7    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Nervous Breakdown 2:45
Written-By – Clarence Williams
8    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Railroad Rhythm 3:03
Written-By – Fats Waller
9    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    You've Got To Give Me Some 2:55
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
10    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    I've Got What It Takes (It Breaks My Heart To Give It Away) 3:12
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Jenkins
11    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    You Don't Understand 3:02
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Johnson, Williams
12    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    (Oh! Baby) What Makes Me Love You So? 3:21
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Longshaw
13    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Zonky 2:44
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Razaf, Waller
14    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    You've Got To Be Modernistic 2:49
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – James P. Johnson
15    Seven Gallon Jug Band–    What If We Do 3:01
Recorder [Descant Recorder] – Frank Robinson
Written-By – Johnson, Williams
16    Seven Gallon Jug Band–    Wipe 'Em Off 2:40
Harmonica, Vocals – Frank Robinson
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Fats Waller
Written-By – Johnson, Williams
17    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Left All Alone With The Blues 3:28
Written-By – Williams, Jackson
18    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    I've Found A New Baby 3:35
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
19    Jimmy Johnson And Clarence Williams–    How Could I Be Blue? 3:23
Speech – Clarence Williams, James P. Johnson
Written-By – Razaf, Wilson
20    Jimmy Johnson And Clarence Williams–    I've Found A New Baby 2:50
Speech – Clarence Williams, James P. Johnson
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
21    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    Whip Me With Plenty Of Love 3:10
Written-By – Williams, Urquhart
22    Clarence Williams' Washboard Band–    Worn Out Blues 3:14
Written-By – Joseph Rogalle
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1, 2)
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 5 to 8, 13, 14, 17, 18)
Bass Saxophone – Frank Robinson (tracks: 15, 16)
Bass [String Bass] [?] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 13, 14)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 8, 17, 18)
Clarinet – Unknown Artist (tracks: 15, 16)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 3, 4)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone [?] – Don Redman (tracks: 13, 14), Russell Procope (tracks: 5 to 8, 17, 18)    Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Prince Robinson (tracks: 21, 22)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Arville Harris (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 14, 17, 18)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 8), Ed Anderson (tracks: 5 to 8)
Directed By – Clarence Williams (tracks: 11, 12, 15 to 17)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1, 2)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1 to 10, 19 to 22)
Piano [?] – Willie "The Lion" Smith (tracks: 15, 16)
Piano, Celesta – James P. Johnson* (tracks: 11 to 14, 17 to 20)
Trombone – Geechie Fields (tracks: 5 to 8, 13, 14, 17. 18), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1, 2)
Trumpet – Charlie Gaines (tracks: 9 to 12, 17, 18, 21, 22), Leonard Davis (tracks: 13, 14), Unknown Artist (tracks: 13, 14)
Trumpet [?] – Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 21, 22)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 3, 4, 9 to 12, 21, 22)

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 515 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

22 of Armstrong's big-band recordings and a couple selections with The Mills Brothers are taken in chronological order. A few ("I Double Dare You," "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and his first version of "The Saints") are classics but mostly it is a matter of Armstrong joyfully uplifting mundane material, often higher up than it deserves. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree 2:19
Egbert VanAlstyne / Harry Williams
2     The Old Folks at Home 2:23
Stephen Foster
3     Public Melody Number One 3:09
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
4     Yours and Mine 2:42
Nacio Herb Brown / Arthur Freed
5     Red Cap 3:09
Louis Armstrong / Ben Hecht
6     She's the Daughter of a Planter from Havana 3:18
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
7     Alexander's Ragtime Band 2:36
Irving Berlin
8     Cuban Pete 3:08
Jose Norman
9     I've Got a Heart Full of Rhythm 3:08
Louis Armstrong / Horace Gerlach
10     Sun Showers 2:41
Nacio Herb Brown / Arthur Freed
11     Once in a While 3:08
Michael Edwards / Bud Green
12     On the Sunny Side of the Street 2:59
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
13     Satchel Mouth Swing 2:35
Lil Hardin Armstrong / Louis Armstrong / Clarence Williams / Harry Williams
14     Jubilee 2:36
Stanley Adams / Hoagy Carmichael / Louis Jordan
15     Struttin' With Some Barbecue 2:58
Lil Hardin Armstrong / Louis Armstrong / Lil Hardin / Don Raye
16     The Trumpet Player's Lament 2:54
Johnny Burke / James V. Monaco
17     I Double Dare You 2:57
Jim Eaton / Terry Shand
18     True Confession 3:06
Sam Coslow / Frederick Hollander
19     Let That Be a Lesson to You 2:35
Johnny Mercer / Richard A. Whiting
20     Sweet as a Song 3:05
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
21     So Little Time (So Much to Do) 2:44
Peter DeRose / Billy Hill
22     Mexican Swing 2:38
Terry Shand
23     As Long as You Live 2:15
Bernie Hanighen / Johnny Mercer
24     When the Saints Go Marching In 2:43
James Black / Traditional

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 523 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A mixed bag of Armstrong, these 23 selections, if taken complete and in chronological order, include routine swing, three enjoyable numbers with The Mills Brothers, a few spirituals, an odd two-part sermon and some remakes of Armstrong's earlier classics. His career was drifting a bit but there is enough enjoyable music to make this a worthwhile acquisition. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     On the Sentimental Side 2:24
Johnny Burke / James V. Monaco
2     It's Wonderful 2:34
Mitchell Parish / Stuff Smith / Robert Wells
3     Something Tells Me 2:32
Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren
4     Love Walked In 2:28
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5     Flat Foot Floogie 2:57
Slim Gaillard / Bud Green / Slam Stewart
6     The Song Is Ended 3:09
Irving Berlin
7     My Walking Stick 2:40
Irving Berlin
8     Shadrack 2:28
Robert MacGimsey
9     Going to Shout All over God's Heaven 2:49
Traditional
10     Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen 3:11
Traditional
11     Jonah and the Whale 2:46
Traditional
12     Naturally 2:46
Harry Barris
13     I've Got a Pocketful of Dreams 2:52
Johnny Burke / James V. Monaco
14     I Can't Give You Anything But Love 2:54
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
15     Ain't Misbehavin' 2:55
Harry Brooks / Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
16     Elder Eatmore's Sermon on Throwing Stones 4:17
Shorty Rogers
17     Elder Eatmore's Sermon on Generosity 4:21
Shorty Rogers
18     Jeepers Creepers 2:38
Johnny Mercer / Harry Warren
19     What Is This Thing Called Swing? 3:05
Louis Armstrong / Horace Gerlach
20     Rockin' Chair 3:15
Hoagy Carmichael
21     Lazy Bones 3:13
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
22     Hear Me Talkin' to Ya? 3:04
Louis Armstrong / Don Redman
23     Save It, Pretty Mama 2:58
Joe Davis / Paul Denniker / Don Redman

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 615 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Armstrong's Decca years by the late '30s found him treading water, playing well on these orchestra recordings (four songs find him having a good time with The Mills Brothers), but the remakes are generally more interesting than the newer novelty material from the swing era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     West End Blues 3:13
King Oliver / Clarence Williams
2     Savoy Blues 3:15
Kid Ory
3     Confessin' (That I Love You) 3:16
Doc Daugherty / Al J. Neiburg / Ellis Reynolds
4     Our Monday Date 2:29
Louis Armstrong / Earl Hines
5     If It's Good (Then I Want It) 2:38
Walter Hirsch / Gerald Marks
6     Me and Brother Bill 2:46
Louis Armstrong
7     Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 3:19
Charles Warfield / Clarence Williams
8     Poor Old Joe 3:05
Hoagy Carmichael
9     Shanty Boat on the Mississippi 3:23
Jim Eaton / Terry Shand
10     Poor Old Joe 3:05
Hoagy Carmichael
11     You're a Lucky Guy 3:19
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
12     You're Just a No Account 2:55
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
13     Bye and Bye 2:34
Traditional
14     Hep Cats' Ball 3:19
Louis Armstrong / Jack Palmer
15     You've Got Me Voodoo'd 3:00
Louis Armstrong / Jack Lawrence / Luis Russell
16     Harlem Stomp 3:03
J.C. Higginbotham
17     Wolverine Blues 3:20
Jelly Roll Morton / Benjamin Franklin Spikes / John Spikes
18     Lazy 'Sippi Steamer 3:20
Louis Armstrong / Luis Russell / Victor Selsman
19     W.P.A. 2:49
J. Stone
20     Boog It 2:39
Cab Calloway / Jack Palmer / Buck Ram
21     Cherry 2:50
Don Redman
22     Marie 2:27
Irving Berlin
23     Sweethearts on Parade 2:54
Carmen Lombardo / Charles Newman
24     You Run Your Mouth, I'll Run My Business 3:01
Louis Armstrong

LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1942 | The Classics Chronological Series –685 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While MCA continues to release incomplete samplers of his Decca recordings, the European Classics series has reissued the great trumpeter's performances the best possible way: complete and in chronological order. This final CD has 18 mostly rare big band selections from 1940-42 (highlighted by "I Cover the Waterfront," a remake of "When It's Sleepy Time down South," "Coquette" and "I Never Knew"), along with the four songs recorded by Armstrong during a reunion session with the great soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet (including a heated "Down in Honky Tonk Town"). Ignore the better publicized MCA Louis Armstrong reissues, and get this series instead. Scott Yanow   
Tracklist :
1     Cut off My Legs and Call Me "Shorty" 2:33
Edna Alexander / Don Raye
2     Cain and Abel 3:01
Fensteck / Loman   
3     Perdido Street Blues 3:04
Lil Hardin
4     2:19 Blues 2:52
Mamie Desdume
5     Down in Honky Tonk Town 3:03
Chris Smith / Trixie Smith
6     Coal Cart Blues 2:55
Louis Armstrong / Lil Hardin
7     Ev'rything's Been Done Before 3:04
Harold Adamson / Charles E. King / Edwin Knopf
8     I Cover the Waterfront 3:12
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
9     In the Gloaming 2:56
Annie Fortescue Harrison / Meta Orred
10     Long, Long Ago 2:51
Thomas Haynes Bayly
11     Hey, Lawdy Mama 2:57
Jim Eaton / Terry Shand
12     I'll Get Mine Bye and Bye 3:03
Jimmie Davis
13     Now, Do You Call That a Buddy? 3:18
W. Wilson
14     Yes, Suh! 2:19
Edgar Dowell / Andy Razaf
15     When It's Sleepy Time Down South 3:09
Clarence Muse / Otis Rene / Leon René
16     Leap Frog 2:57
Leo Corday / Joe Garland
17     I Used to Love You (But It's All over Now) 2:57
Lew Brown / Albert Von Tilzer
18     You Rascal You 2:58
Sam Theard
19     (Get Some) Cash for Your Trash 3:01
Ed Kirkeby / Fats Waller
20     Among My Souvenirs 2:44
Edgar Leslie / Horatio Nicholls
21     Coquette 2:34
Irving Berlin
22     I Never Knew 2:44
Gus Kahn / Ted Fio Rito