LOUIS JORDAN AND HIS TYMPANY FIVE – 1934-1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 636 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There's a lot more to Louis Jordan than "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie." Here is an opportunity to check out the man's very earliest recordings, beginning with a series of rare treats that fill in the blank spots at the beginning of his story. It's worth having the entire disc just for the sake of "I Can't Dance (I Got Ants in My Pants)." This 1934 Clarence Williams record clearly demonstrates where Jordan would soon be heading as a performer, and what would distinguish him for the rest of his career. Jordan's exacting delivery and sense of timing are already evident, and Williams sounds delighted to be able to interact with someone with a distinct knack for humorous bantering. It's a shame they didn't knock off another dozen tunes together! Jordan's work with Chick Webb is represented here by three vocals from 1937. He sings very sweetly on "Gee But You're Swell" and "It's Swell of You," sounding so sugary that a lot of folks probably wouldn't even recognize him. "Rusty Hinge" is a bit livelier, and Jordan puts a tiny bit of cayenne in his honeyed vocal as the band swings out. Chick Webb's orchestra helped to define the big-band sound of the '30s, and "Hinge" is a good example of that archetypal style. The first records that Jordan made as a leader were cut in December of 1938. His band at that time was named after their regular jam spot, the Elk's Rendezvous Club, located at 484 Lenox Avenue in beautiful Harlem, U.S.A. It seems as though having recorded with Webb for Decca must have enabled Jordan to continue working for that label as a leader in his own right. Rodney Sturgis sings three pleasant tunes in a warm, smooth voice -- "So Good" is the catchiest -- then Jordan takes over as vocalist. "Honey in the Bee Ball" is much lighter fare than the punchy stuff Jordan would later become famous for. A very silly "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" has ridiculous falsetto vocals from both Jordan and the band. But then things start to coalesce. Did you ever wonder who put the "Tympany" in the Tympany Five? Well, here's the answer. On the session of March 29, 1939, Walter Martin augmented his regular drum kit with a kettledrum. The instrumental "Flat Face" has a whole lot of ascending and descending runs on the tympanum, and the instrument is marginally audible throughout the rest of the material on this disc. Even when you think it isn't there, Martin uses it like an enormous tom-tom to add ballast to the band. The pedal drum with variable pitch would gradually disappear but the band was to be called the Tympany Five for years to come. Ballsy tenor man Lemuel Fowler was eventually replaced by the equally tough Stafford "Pazuzza" Simon. Both of these saxophonists made good use of their lower registers. Courtney Williams plays smudge-pot trumpet and Jordan demonstrates what a kick-ass alto player he was. By 1940 all the ingredients are there, anticipating the well-known hit records this little band would soon be churning out in rapid succession. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

FATS WALLER – 1922-1926 | The Chronogical Classics – 664 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Anyone who's fallen in love with Fats Waller's music and wants to delve a bit deeper than "greatest hits" should explore what young Mr. Waller managed to achieve on phonograph records during the 1920s. American labels have been frustratingly slow to release material from this fascinating period in Waller's artistic evolution, despite the fact that he began recording at the age of 18, a full 12 years before the first Fats Waller & His Rhythm sessions initiated his fairly rapid rise to fame. Two piano solos from 1922 grant listeners an exciting glimpse of a solidly able young Waller, fresh from his personal training under James P. Johnson's wing. These two solos belong at the head of any Fats Waller piano anthology, yet they didn't make it onto Bluebird's Turn on the Heat, an otherwise excellent double CD mainly devoted to the commercially issued Victor solos from 1927-1941.
Much of the material on Classics 664 consists of female vocals (mostly blues, a few topical jazz novelties, and a somber pair of spirituals) accompanied by Waller's piano. The art of accompanying was an essential component of the Harlem stride pianist's job description, and Waller did it as skillfully as James P. Johnson. Alberta Hunter's duet with Waller is one of the best examples here, along with two titles featuring the amazing Rosa Henderson. Even the sleepier numbers featuring less-punchy vocalists are still worth absorbing and appreciating. There's a very rare example of Porter Grainger taking a vocal on Waller's "In Harlem's Araby" and a pair of funny duets featuring Sara Martin and Clarence Williams. "Squabbling Blues" must be rare indeed, as the original 78 rpm platter used in this compilation has a very rough start and even skips briefly -- -collectors expect this sort of thing from the Document label, but never from Classics. Fortunately, the song is so satisfying, one quickly forgets the technical foibles.
But the main reason to obtain a copy of this CD is for the two titles featuring Clarence Williams and his friend Clarence Todd on kazoos, with Waller's sure-footed piano and an eccentric percussionist named Justin Ring (he shows up on certain Eddie Lang sessions from the late '20s). "West Indies Blues," in particular, is the prize in this package; the sound of two grown men unashamedly wailing away on their kazoos is guaranteed to help prevent listeners from taking reality too seriously. A must for collectors and a healthy experience for all who are interested in early jazz. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BESSIE SMITH – 1923 | The Classics Chronological Series – 761 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This document of Smith's first year in the studio reveals a blues giant in full command of her talents. And while later dates -- especially the epochal 1925 sessions with Louis Armstrong -- offer more in the way of the era's horn-blowing royalty, these early sides nicely showcase Smith in the unadorned company of a variety of top pianists like Clarence Williams and Fletcher Henderson. The Empress of the Blues flexes her vocal muscle throughout, ranging from Broadway fare like "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" to the dark-hued rumblings of "Graveyard Dream Blues." She also revels in the provocative ambiguities of "Nobody in Town Can Bake a Sweet Jelly Roll" and puts her stamp on the future blues warhorse "'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do." From the opening strain of her first best-seller, "Downhearted Blues," until the end of the disc, lovers of classic female blues will find plenty here to keep them enthralled. Stephen Cook
Tracklist + Credits :

BESSIE SMITH – 1925-1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 843 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Empress of the Blues is heard here in all her prime from 1925-1927. While also touring the country in the Harlem Frolics tent show during this time, Smith laid down hundreds of tracks in New York studios. These 24 performances feature such jazz luminaries of the day as pianist Fletcher Henderson, trumpeter Joe Smith, trombonist Charlie Green, and clarinetist Buster Bailey (the latter three men all played in Henderson's groundbreaking band of the day). Also on hand are Gotham legend and pianist James P. Johnson and songwriter extraordinaire Clarence Williams (along with such '20s classics as "Royal Garden Blues," "'Taint Nobobdy's Business if I Do," and "Everybody Loves My Baby," Williams penned a handful of the tracks covered here, including his collaboration with Fats Waller, "Just Squeeze Me"). Smith is powerful and in total command throughout, churning out her jazz-tinged blues on such standouts as "Backwater Blues," "The Gin House Blues," and "Hard Driving Papa." A must for all Smith devotees. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist + Credits :

BESSIE SMITH – 1928-1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 897 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of the greatest partnerships in all of recorded blues was the teaming up of Bessie Smith and champion trombone man Big Charlie Green. Their collaboration is well represented by the opening tracks on this volume of the chronologically reissued recordings of Bessie Smith. "Empty Bed Blues, Pt. 2" opens with a lurching, grinding trombone ostinato that matches perfectly the spirit and texture of Smith's testimonial. "Put It Right Here" could serve as the best example on record of this singer's irresistible way of presenting a song. The timing is perfect and the humorous lyrics are accentuated by the trombone with great precision. Somebody ought to put out a CD consisting of every record these two people ever made together. The next session in Smith's story took place on August 23, 1928. "Yes Indeed He Do" would be closely imitated four years later in the group singalong "Yes Suh!" as performed by Billy Banks and Jack Bland's Rhythmakers. Five records cut on August 24th handle the topics of social inequality, interpersonal relationships, and alcoholism. On "Poor Man's Blues" Smith speaks directly to the wealthy, and during "Washerwoman's Blues" she discusses the combined problems of race and class. "Me and My Gin" paints a grim portrait of the addict and her mental condition. Cornered and besotted, Smith vows to take on the Army and the Navy armed only with her bottle of fermented spirits. On May 8, 1929, guitarist Eddie Lang and pianist Clarence Williams assisted in the creation of three delightfully smutty sides dwelling on Smith's sexual appetite. The sound of Lang's guitar percolating along with her voice makes these selections especially nice. "I've Got What It Takes" and "Nobody Knows You" are two of Smith's toughest performances on record. Having what amounted to Clarence Williams' Blue Five backing her up seems to have given the singer solid support for self-expression. Anyone who has seen the motion picture St. Louis Blues will cherish the film soundtrack included in this chronology. The singer stands at the bar in a saloon, crying -- and singing -- into a mug of beer. The drama of a strong woman at the mercy of a man without any conscience is played out on the screen and can be envisioned by the listener. The 40-voice Hall Johnson Choir roars away behind Smith as she sways miserably. A hot band led by James P. Johnson wails with abandon as acrobatic waiters spin and tumble through the crowd without upsetting their trays full of drinks. Smith's no-good man shows up, appears to reconcile with her, and does a slow dance in her arms, but then pushes her away and laughs derisively while brandishing a wad of cash he has snatched from her purse! Everyone ought to see this film at least once. There are distortion problems with the soundtrack as presented here, and the nearly 11-minute sequence has been unnecessarily portioned into four segments -- a too-faithful reproduction of the Circle Records issue -- even though the uninterrupted soundtrack is available elsewhere. The disc closes with "Take It Right Back" -- featuring one of Clarence Williams' best piano accompaniments -- and a pair of lusty tunes with even finer piano by James P. Johnson. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BESSIE SMITH – 1929-1933 | The Classics Chronological Series – 977 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

These 24 tracks represent the last phase of Bessie Smith's recording career. Over the course of ten years and 160 great songs, Smith had without a doubt earned her place as the Empress of the Blues. Unfortunately, until her passing in 1937, she spent most of her time on the show circuit. For fans hungry for a healthy dose of her legacy, though, generous discs such as this provide a chance to revel in the classic female blues singing queen's lusty power. As usual, Smith is helped out by the day's jazz royalty. Featured over the course of the cuts here -- many penned by both Smith and pianist Clarence Williams -- are such top soloists as Benny Goodman, Chu Berry, James P. Johnson, and Frankie Newton. Of course, Smith grabs most of the attention, especially on definitive sides like "Gimme a Pigfoot" and "Black Mountain Blues," not to mention the ribald gem "Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl." And as far as sound quality goes, this and many other of the discs in the Classics chronological series provide a viable alternative to Columbia's celebrated Complete Recordings line. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist + Credits :

JAMES P. JOHNSON – 1928-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 671 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Welcome to a dizzying tour of one man's adventures in the recording studios of New York over the span of ten very eventful years. This segment of the James P. Johnson chronology begins with the "Daylight Savin' Blues," a magnificent instrumental recorded in October of 1928. The Gulf Coast Seven were essentially an Ellington quintet with Perry Bradford and James P. Johnson. The most stunning component here is the soprano saxophone of Johnny Hodges, who had come up under the direct influence of Sidney Bechet. Perry Bradford does his share of singing, sounding particularly mellifluous in duet with Gus Horsley on "Put Your Mind Right on It." The key phrase in that song is the immortal refrain: "let's misbehave." There is something about these 1929 ensembles that tickles the brain. Two sides recorded for Victor on November 18 bear a strange resemblance to recordings made under the heading of Fats Waller & His Buddies nearly two months earlier, on September 24. For vocalists, Waller used three reed players and the banjoist from his band to form a sort of barbershop quartet, billed as the Four Wanderers. Johnson's orchestra featured King Oliver, had Waller sitting in with James P. at the piano, and crackled with frantic vocals by an unidentified group calling themselves the Keep Shufflin' Trio. Both singing groups are fairly outrageous and corny to almost bizarre extremes. The word "Modernistic" had exciting connotations in 1929, as culture and technology raced headlong into the unknown. Both the solo piano rendition and the almost ridiculous vocal version convey some measure of that excitement. This collection contains no less than six outstanding piano solos, including the first recording ever made by anyone of Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?." Recycling a discarded melody from the Clarence Williams publishing catalog, "How Could I Be Blue?" is a priceless vaudevillian piano duet with comical cuckold dialogue between JPJ and Clarence Williams himself. While this precious recording has recently found its way on to various James P. Johnson reissues, seldom has the flip side been heard. "I've Found a New Baby" focuses upon Clarence's indigestion. James appears to have a half-pint of liquor in his hip pocket but after administering the "cure" he informs Clarence that he's been given a shot of foot medicine! This disc includes three vocals by Fats Waller's lyricist Andy Razaf, and then concludes with five smoky sides from 1938 under the banner of Pee Wee Russell's Rhythmakers. Convening on behalf of the Hot Record Society, this magnificent ensemble had elements of Eddie Condon, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, which is to say Chicago, New York and Kansas City. You'd also need to include New Orleans in the schematic, as Wellman Braud and Zutty Singleton represented everything that was strongest and best about the Crescent City. "Horn of Plenty Blues" is a majestic slow drag with vocal by the drummer. "There'll Be Some Changes Made" received such an in-depth treatment that it was recorded in two parts, allowing extra solo space for the more expressive members. Pee Wee's group swings like the dickens, finishing off this amazing retrospective with crowing vigor and collective enthusiasm. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1921-1924 | The Classics Chronological Series – 679 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although this is not the most essential of the Clarence Williams CDs released in the complete Classics series, all of the releases are highly recommended to fans of early jazz. Many of these titles are quite rare and historical. First Williams is heard as a singer on five period numbers from 1921 ("The Dance They Call the Georgia Hunch" is the most memorable) and has a vocal duet with Daisy Martin on "Brown Skin (Who You For)." Williams also takes four piano solos and on most of the other titles features the great soprano saxophonist Sidney Bechet (heard in his earliest recordings); "Wild Cat Blues" and "Kansas City Man Blues" are classics. In addition Louis Armstrong joins the group on three numbers, two of which have vocals from Eva Taylor. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams–    If You Don't Believe I Love You (Look What A Fool I've Been) 2:48
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
2    Clarence Williams–    Roumania 3:11
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Peyton
3    Clarence Williams–    The Dance They Call The Georgia Hunch 3:07
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Wade, Williams
4    Clarence Williams–    Pullman Porter Blues 3:02
Written-By – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hamilton, Ulrich
5    Clarence Williams–    Decatur Street Blues 2:56
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
6    Clarence Williams–    Brown Skin (Who You For) 3:06
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Daisy Martin
Written-By – Piron, Williams
7    Clarence Williams–    Mixing The Blues 3:10
Written-By – Clarence Williams
8    Clarence Williams–    The Weary Blues 2:31
Written-By – Artie Mathews
9    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Wild Cat Blues 2:58
Written-By – Williams, Wiley
10    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Kansas City Man Blues 2:55
Written-By – Johnson, Williams
11    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Achin' Hearted Blues 2:56
Written-By – Johnson, Williams, Williams
12    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    'Tain't Nobody's Bus'ness If I Do 2:47
Written-By – Robbins, Grainger
13    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    New Orleans Hop Scop Blues 2:50
Written-By – George Thomas
14    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Oh Daddy! (You Won't Have No Mama At All) 3:07
Written-By – Herbert, Russell
15    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Shreveport Blues 2:58
Written-By – Annie Potter
16    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Old Fashioned Love 3:07
Written-By – Mack, Johnson
17    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    House Rent Blues (The Stomp) 2:56
Written-By – De Koven-Thompson
18    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Mean Blues 2:56
Written-By – Gillham, Smythe
19    Clarence Williams–    My Own Blues 2:25
Written-By – Clarence Williams
20    Clarence Williams–    Gravier Street Blues 2:23
Written-By – Clarence Williams
21    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Texas Moaner Blues 3:10
Written-By – Williams, Barnes
22    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Of All The Wrongs You Done To Me 2:51
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Smith, Davell, Leyton
23    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Everybody Loves My Baby (But My Baby Don't Love Nobody But Me) 2:33
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 14, 15)
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet – Don Redman (tracks: 5 to 9, 12, 13, 16, 17)
Banjo – Buddy Christian (tracks: 1 to 18)
Banjo [prob.] – Leroy Harris (tracks: 16 to 20)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 16 to 20)
Clarinet – Bennie Motlto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)
Banjo – Buddy Christian (tracks: 21 to 23)
Clarinet – Unknown Artist (tracks: 11)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Joseph Samuels (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone – Sidney Bechet (tracks: 9, 10, 12 to 18)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)
Cornet – Jules Levy Jr. (tracks: 1 to 4, 6), Louis Armstrong (tracks: 21 to 23), Thomas Morris (tracks: 9 to 18), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)
Drums – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 7 to 23), Larry Briers (tracks: 1 to 4, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)
Soprano Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 21 to 23)
Trombone – Aaron Thompson (tracks: 21 to 23), John Mayfield (tracks: 9 to 18), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)
Trombone [?] – Ephraim Hannaford (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)
Violin – Unknown Artist (tracks: 5)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1924-1926 | The Classics Chronological Series – 695 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second CD in the Classics label's "complete" Clarence Williams series traces the pianist/bandleader's recordings during a 14-month period. The first six titles feature soprano great Sidney Bechet (who has a unique sarrusophone solo on "Mandy Make up Your Mind") while the first 13 also have Louis Armstrong. The pairing of these two classic and competitive greats is at its zenith on a brilliant version of "Cake Walking Babies from Home"; Satch gets the edge. In addition there are notable contributions on these 23 performances by trombonist Charlie Irvis, tenor-saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, cornetists Joe Smith, Bubber Miley and Ed Allen, clarinetist Buster Bailey and singer Eva Taylor among others. Williams's series of hot performances really epitomized small-group 1920s jazz and every entry in this Classics series is highly recommended. Other highlights include "Coal Cart Blues," "Shake That Thing," "Dinah" (which features Hawkins on baritone), "I've Found a New Baby" and two versions of "Santa Claus Blues." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Mandy, Make Up Your Mind 3:07
Written-By – Johnston, Meyer, Clarke, Turk
2    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    I'm A Little Blackbird Looking For A Bluebird 3:13
Written-By – Johnston, Meyer, Clarke, Turk
3    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Cake Walking Babies From Home 2:59
Written-By – Smith, Williams, Troy
4    Eva Taylor–    Pickin' On Your Baby 3:17
Written-By – Jones, Reynolds
5    Eva Taylor–    Cast Away 2:51
Written-By – Brown, Stewart, Easton
6    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:02
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
7    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Just Wait 'Till You See My Baby Do The Charleston 2:46
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Simmons
8    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Livin' High Sometimes 2:31
Written-By – Belledna, Pinkard
9    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Coal Cart Blues 2:50
Written-By – Hardin, Armstrong
10    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Santa Claus Blues 2:34
Written-By – Straight, Kahn
11    Clarence Williams' Trio–    Santa Claus Blues 3:15
Written-By – Straight, Kahn
12    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Squeeze Me 3:05
Written-By – Williams, Waller
13    Eva Taylor–    You Can't Shush Katie (The Gabbiest Girl In Town) 3:03
Written-By – Warren, White, Creamer
14    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Shake That Thing 2:54
Written-By – Jackson
15    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Get It Fixed 3:00
Written-By – Clarence Williams
16    Clarence Williams Stompers–    Spanish Shawl 3:07
Written-By – Elmer Schoebel
17    Clarence Williams Stompers–    Dinah 2:36
Written-By – Harry Akst
18    Eva Taylor–    I've Found A New Baby 3:01
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
19    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    I've Found A New Baby 2:53
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
20    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Pile Of Logs And Stone (Called Home) 2:31
Written-By – Maceo Pinkard
21    Dixie Washboard Band–    Wait Till You See My Baby Do The Charleston 2:54
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Simmons
22    Dixie Washboard Band–    Livin' High 3:11
Written-By – Belledna, Pinkard
23    Dixie Washboard Band–    Wait Till You See My Baby Do The Charleston 2:32
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Simmons
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 14, 15)
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet – Don Redman (tracks: 5 to 9, 12, 13, 16, 17)
Banjo – Buddy Christian (tracks: 1 to 18)
Banjo [prob.] – Leroy Harris (tracks: 16 to 20)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 16 to 20)
Clarinet – Bennie Moten (tracks: 21 to 23), Buster Bailey (tracks: 14, 15)
Cornet – Charlie Thomas (tracks: 14, 15), Ed Allen (tracks: 21 to 23), Joe Smith (tracks: 16, 17), Louis Armstrong (tracks: 1 to 13)
Piano – Clarence Williams
Sarrusophone – Sidney Bechet (tracks: 1)
Soprano Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 5 to 10), Sidney Bechet (tracks: 1 to 6)
Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 12, 13, 16, 17)
Trombone – Charlie Irvis (tracks: 1 to 10, 12, 13, 16 to 20)
Vocals – Eva Taylor (tracks: 1 to 15, 18 to 20)
Washboard – Jasper Taylor (tracks: 21 to 23)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1926-1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 718 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third CD in the Classics label's Clarence Williams program reissues all of the pianist/bandleader's dates from a ten-month period, 23 selections in all. Such groups as Joe Jordan's Ten Sharps and Flats (performing a memorable version of "Morocco Blues"), The Dixie Washboard Band, The Blue Grass Foot Warmers and Clarence Williams's Stompers (or Blue Seven or Jazz Kings or Washboard Four). Williams uses some of the top musicians of the era (including cornetists Bubber Miley, Tommy Ladnier and Ed Allen, trombonist Jimmy Harrison, clarinetist Buster Bailey, Coleman Hawkins on tenor, Cyrus St. Clair on tuba and Jasper Taylor on washboard among others) for the heated and freewheeling performances. Highlights include "Jackass Blues," "I Found a New Baby," "Senegalese Stomp" and a truly classic version of "Candy Lips" (which features two clarinets in hot pursuit). All of the CDs in this valuable series are highly recommended to classic jazz fans. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams Stompers–    Jackass Blues 3:00
Written-By – Kassel, Stitzel
2    Clarence Williams Stompers–    What's The Matter Now? 2:20
Vocals – Don Redman
Written-By – Williams, Williams
3    Joe Jordan's Ten Sharps And Flats–    Morocco Blues 3:20
Vocals [Comments] – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Jordan
4    Dixie Washboard Band–    You For Me, Me For You 3:07
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Mack, Johnson
5    Dixie Washboard Band–    My Own Blues 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Clarence Williams
6    Dixie Washboard Band–    Boodle Am 3:06
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
7    Dixie Washboard Band–    I Found A New Baby 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
8    Blue Grass Foot Warmers–    Señorita Mine 2:38
Written-By – Unknown Artist
9    Blue Grass Foot Warmers–    Charleston Hound 2:51
Written-By – Williams, Waller
10    Blue Grass Foot Warmers–    How Could I Be Blue 2:47
Speech – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Unknown Artist
11    Blue Grass Foot Warmers–    Old Folks Shuffle 2:44
Written-By – Williams, Waller
12    Dixie Washboard Band–    Dark Eyes 3:10
Vocals – Clarence Todd
– Traditional
13    Dixie Washboard Band–    Gimme Blues 3:04
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Dixie Washboard Band–    King Of The Zulus 3:25
Dialog – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams
Written-By – Lil Hardin Armstrong
15    Dixie Washboard Band–    The Zulu Blues 2:55
Vocals – Clarence Todd
Written-By – Clarence Williams
16    Clarence Williams' Blue Seven–    Would Ja? 2:49
Written-By – Manning Sherwin
17    Clarence Williams' Blue Seven–    Senegalese Stomp 2:37
Written-By – Clarence Todd
18    Joe Sims (And Clarence Williams–    What Do You Know About That? 2:55
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Joe Sims
Written-By – Unknown Artist
19    Joe Sims (And Clarence Williams–    Shut Your Mouth 3:11
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Joe Sims
Written-By – Unknown Artist
20    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Gravier Street Blues 3:00
Written-By – Clarence Williams
21    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Candy Lips 2:44
Written-By – Lauria, Jackson
22    Clarence Williams' Washboard Four–    Nobody But My Baby Is Getting My Love 2:38
Written-By – Razaf, Williams
23    Clarence Williams' Washboard Four–    Candy Lips 2:43
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Lauria, Jackson
Credits :    
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 16, 17, 20, 21), Mike McKendrick (tracks: 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 14, 15)
Banjo [?] – Buddy Christian (tracks: 1, 2), Leroy Harris (tracks: 1, 2)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 16, 17, 20, 21), Ed Bergen (tracks: 3), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet [?] – Ben Whitted (tracks: 20, 21), Benny Moten (tracks: 20, 21)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Bennie Moten (tracks: 3 to 11, 22, 23), Buster Bailey (tracks: 16, 17), Don Redman (tracks: 1, 2), James Nichols (tracks: 3)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 16, 17), Unknown Artist (tracks: 12 to 15)
Cornet – Bubber Miley (tracks: 1, 2), Ed Allen (tracks: 3 to 11, 22, 23), Thomas Morris (tracks: 1, 2), William Logan (tracks: 3)
Cornet [?] – Addington Major (tracks: 18, 19), Louis Metcalf (tracks: 12 to 15, 18, 19)
Drums, Washboard – Jasper Taylor (tracks: 3 to 11)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 17, 20 to 23), Fats Waller (tracks: 18, 19)
Piano, Directed By – Joe Jordan (tracks: 3)
Tenor Saxophone – Clarence Miller (tracks: 3)
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison (tracks: 16, 17), Joe Brown (22) (tracks: 3)
Trombone [?] – Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton (tracks: 1, 2), John Mayfield (tracks: 14, 15)
Trumpet – Tommy Ladnier (tracks: 16, 17)
Washboard – Bruce Johnson (tracks: 12 to 15), Floyd Casey (tracks: 22, 23)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1927 | The Classics Chronological Series – 736 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist/bandleader Clarence Williams was at the height of his productivity in 1927; the 22 numbers on this CD were recorded within a 6 1/2 month period. With the exception of The Dixie Washboard Band, all of the performances were originally released under Clarence Williams's name but the personnel and instrumentation often differ from session to session. The fourth in Classics' complete reissuance of Williams's recordings features such top sideman as cornetists Ed Allen and Louis Metcalf, trumpeter Red Allen (in what was probably his earliest recording), trombonist Charlie Irvis, clarinetist Buster Bailey and a variety of lesser-known players with some of the best performances being "Cushion Foot Stomp" (which is heard three different times), "Shooting the Pistol," "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" and Williams's solo version of "When I March in April with May." Highly recommended to collectors of vintage jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Cushion Foot Stomp 2:59
Written-By – Clarence Williams
2    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    P.D.Q. Blues 2:54
Written-By – Henry, Simson
3    Dixie Washboard Band–    Anywhere Sweetie Goes (I'll Be There) 2:58
Written-By – Williams, Waller
4    Dixie Washboard Band–    Cushion Foot Stomp 3:00
Written-By – Clarence Williams
5    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Cushion Foot Stomp 3:20
Written-By – Clarence Williams
6    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Take Your Black Bottom Outside 3:01
Written-By – Williams, Green
7    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Black Snake Blues 2:54
Written-By – Johnson, Spivey
8    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Old Folks Shuffle 2:49
Written-By – Williams, Waller
9    Clarence Williams' Blue Five Orchestra–    Baltimore 2:53
Written-By – Healy, Kahal, McHugh
10    Clarence Williams' Blue Five Orchestra–    Take Your Black Bottom Outside 3:02
Written-By – Williams, Green
11    Clarence Williams And His Bottomland Orchestra–    Slow River (Vocal) 3:13
Written-By – Clarence Williams
12    Clarence Williams And His Bottomland Orchestra–    Slow River (Instr.) 3:12
Written-By – Clarence Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Bottomland Orchestra–    Zulu Wail (Vocal) 2:59
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Clarence Williams And His Bottomland Orchestra–    Zulu Wail (Instr.) 3:09
Written-By – Clarence Williams
15    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Shooting The Pistol 2:38
Written-By – Smith, Williams
16    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Bottomland 3:08
Written-By – Williams, Trent
17    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    I'm Goin' Back To Bottomland 2:33
Written-By – Williams, Trent
18    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    You'll Long For Me (When The Cold Winds Blow) 3:02
Written-By – Clarence Williams
19    Clarence Williams–    When I March In April With May 3:08
Written-By – Clarence Williams
20    Clarence Williams–    Shootin' The Pistol 2:53
Written-By – Clarence Williams
21    Clarence Williams' Blue Seven–    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 2:51
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
22    Clarence Williams' Blue Seven–    Close Fit Blues 2:58
Written-By – Clarence Williams
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone [?] – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 11 to 14)
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 7 to 10, 17, 18, 21, 22)
Clarinet – Buster Bailey (tracks: 5, 6)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 17, 18), Arville Harris (tracks: 7 to 10, 21, 22), Ben Whitted (tracks: 7, 8), Carmelo Jari (tracks: 1 to 4)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone [?] – Arville Harris (tracks: 15, 16)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Flute [?] – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 15, 16)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 9, 15 to 18), Louis Metcalf (tracks: 21, 22)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 7 to 14)
Piano – Clarence Williams
Soprano Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 21, 22)
Sousaphone – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 5 to 8, 15 to 18, 21, 22)
Trombone – Charlie Irvis (tracks: 7 to 18, 21, 22)
Trumpet – Ed Anderson (tracks: 11 to 14), Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 11 to 14)
Vocals – Clarence Lee (2) (tracks: 1, 2), Clarence Williams (tracks: 5, 6, 19, 20), Evelyn Preer (tracks: 11, 13), Katherine Henderson (3) (tracks: 9, 10), Shufflin' Sam
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 6)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1927-1928 | The Classics Chronological Series – 752 (1994) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The fifth CD in Classics' "complete" Clarence Williams program (all are highly recommended to collectors of 1920s jazz) has 22 selections from 11 separate recording sessions, all of the pianist/bandleader's dates for a ten-month period. There are a pair of piano solos, two numbers in which Williams's vocals (including an eccentric "Farm Hand Papa") are backed by the great pianist James P. Johnson, and band performances featuring cornetists Ed Allen and King Oliver, clarinetists Buster Bailey and Arville Harris, trombonist Ed Cuffee, Coleman Hawkins and Benny Waters on tenors, Cyrus St. Clair on tuba, and the washboard of Floyd Casey. Highlights include "Jingles," "Church Street Sobbin' Blues," "Sweet Emmalina," and "Mountain City Blues." Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Shake 'Em Up 2:51
Written-By – Clarence Williams
2    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Jingles 2:46
Written-By – James P. Johnson
3    Clarence Williams' Washboard Four–    Yama Yama Blues 2:48
Written-By – Williams, Williams
4    Clarence Williams' Washboard Four–    (Norfolk) Church Street Sobbin' Blues 3:00
Written-By – Nunez, Lada, Williams, Cawley
5    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Dreaming The Hours Away 2:53
Written-By – Will Dulmage
6    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Close Fit Blues 3:02
Written-By – Clarence Williams
7    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Sweet Emmalina 2:56
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Razaf, Palmer, Williams
8    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Any Time 3:16
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Jordan
9    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Sweet Emmalina 2:50
Written-By – Razaf, Palmer, Williams
10    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Log Cabin Blues 3:12
Written-By – Tom Delaney
11    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Shake It Down 2:52
Written-By – Williams, Urquhart
12    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Red River Blues 3:00
Written-By – Williams
13    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Red River Blues 2:54
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    I Need You 2:51
Written-By – Williams, Jackson
15    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Lazy Mama 3:03
Written-By – Gifford, Gray
16    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Mountain City Blues 3:04
Written-By – Cjarlie Troutt
17    Clarence Williams–    Organ Grinder Blues 3:20
Written-By – Clarence Williams
18    Clarence Williams–    Wildflower Rag 3:03
Written-By – Clarence Williams
19    Clarence Williams–    My Woman Done Me Wrong (As Far As I Am Concerned) 3:16
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
20    Clarence Williams–    Farm Hand Papa 3:03
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
21    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    The Keyboard Express 2:49
Written-By – Mike Jacksonbenny
22    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Walk That Broad 3:03
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Delaney, Frisimo
Credits :    
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 5 to 8)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 10, 13 to 16, 21, 22)
Clarinet – Arville Harris (tracks: 11, 12)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 1 to 10)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone [Or] – Arville Harris (tracks: 13, 14), Benny Waters (tracks: 13, 14)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone [Or] – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 15, 16, 21, 22), Benny Waters (tracks: 15, 16, 21, 22)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 16, 21, 22), King Oliver (tracks: 11 to 16, 21, 22)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1 to 18, 21, 22), James P. Johnosn (tracks: 19, 20)
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 1, 2, 5, 6)
Trombone – Ed Cuffee (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 8, 13 to 16, 21, 22)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 3, 4, 9 to 12, 15, 16)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1928-1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 771 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The sixth volume in the very valuable Classics Clarence Williams reissue program contains 22 numbers in its attractive CD, mostly from a four-month period. There is a lot of variety on these sessions with many of the best tracks featuring both King Oliver and Ed Allen on cornets along with tenorman Benny Waters. There are also numbers by Clarence Williams's Washboard Five, his Novelty Four (a quartet with Oliver and guitarist Eddie Lang) and a larger orchestra. Throughout all of the selections there are spirited ensembles, heated but coherent solos and plenty of joy and swing. The highpoints include "Organ Grinder Blues," "Have You Ever Felt That Way," "Wildflower Rag," "Bozo," "Bimbo" and "Beau-Koo Jack" (which is closely based on the Louis Armstrong recording). Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Long, Deep And Wide 2:51
Written-By – Fats Waller
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Speakeasy 2:50
Written-By – Williams, Oliver
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Squeeze Me 2:50
Written-By – Williams, Waller
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    New Down Home Blues 3:02
Written-By – Delaney
5    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Organ Grinder Blues 3:02
Written-By – Clarence Williams
6    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    I’m Busy And You Can’t Come In 2:46
Written-By – Williams
7    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Walk That Broad 3:02
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Delaney, Frisino
8    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    Have You Ever Felt That Way? 3:03
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Castleton, Williams-Spencer
9    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Wildflower Rag 2:30
Written-By – Clarence Williams
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Midnight Stomp 2:59
Written-By – Williams, Waller
11    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I’m Through 2:50
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Simmons, Bechet
12    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Bozo 2:38
Written-By – Edward Hite
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Bimbo 2:31
Written-By – Palmer, Williams
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Longshoreman’s Blues 2:44
Written-By – Unknown Artist
15    Clarence Williams And His Novelty Four–    In The Bottle Blues
Written-By – Williams, Lang
16    Clarence Williams And His Novelty Four–    What Do You Want Me To Do? 2:46
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Oliver
17    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Watchin’ The Clock 3:04
Written-By – Williams, Oliver
18    Clarence Williams' Orchestra–    Freeze Out 2:54
Written-By – Fats Waller
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Beau-Koo-Jack 2:36
Written-By – Hill, Armstrong, Melrose
20    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Sister Kate 2:54
Written-By – Armand Piron
21    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Pane In The Glass 2:42
Written-By – Clarence Williams
22    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Saturday Night Jag 3:01
Vocals – Laura Bryant
Written-By – Unknown Artist
Credits :    
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 1 to 6, 9 to 11, 19 to 21)
Banjo [?] – Charlie Dixon (tracks: 17, 18)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 1 to 6, 9 to 14, 19 to 21)
Brass Bass [?] – June Cole (tracks: 17, 18)
Celesta – Clarence Williams (tracks: 15, 16)
Clarinet – Buster Bailey (tracks: 12 to 14), Ernest Elliott (tracks: 22)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 5, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 17, 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone [?] – Ben Whitted (tracks: 17, 18), Russell Procope (tracks: 5, 6)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Benny Waters (tracks: 1 to 4, 9 to 14, 19 to 21)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Arville Harris (tracks: 1 to 14, 17 to 21)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 14, 19 to 22), King Oliver (tracks: 1 to 4, 9 to 16, 19 to 21)
Cornet [?] – Ed Anderson (tracks: 5, 6, 17, 18)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 6)
Drums [?] – Kaiser Marshall (tracks: 17, 18)
Guitar, Violin – Eddie Lang (tracks: 15, 16)
Liner Notes – Anatol Schenker
Percussion [?] – Justin Ring (tracks: 15, 16)
Piano – Clarence Williams, Claude Hopkins (tracks: 7, 8)
Trombone – Ed Cuffee (tracks: 1 to 6, 9 to 14, 17 to 21)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 7, 8)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1929 | The Classics Chronological Series – 791 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The seventh volume in the European Classics label's complete reissue of bandleader Clarence Williams' very valuable recordings documents his music during a four-month period. Included are two Williams piano solos; his sessions leading the Barrelhouse Five Orchestra, Jazz Kings, and the Memphis Jazzers; and quite a bit of superior small-group jazz. Among the sidemen are cornetist Ed Allen, trombonist Ed Cuffee, Arville Harris and Albert Socarras on reeds, banjoist Leroy Harris, pianist James P. Johnson (on two songs), the exuberant tuba of Cyrus St. Clair, Floyd Casey on drums and washboard, and Williams himself on piano and occasional vocals. Highlights include "Endurance Stomp," "If You Like Me Like I Like You," "Steamboat Days," "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home," "In Our Cottage of Love," and the original version of "Breeze." All of the CDs in this enjoyable series are easily recommended to 1920s collectors. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Hot Lovin’ 3:00
Written-By – Charles Warfield
2    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Mama Stayed Out 3:05
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Ed Allen
Written-By – Razaf, Wilson
3    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Nobody’s Business (How I Love That Man) 2:51
Written-By – Glady Rodgers
4    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Endurance Stomp 2:50
Written-By – Angelo Fernandez
5    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Some Do And Some Don’t 2:59
Written-By – Unknown Artist
6    Barrel House Five Orchestra–    Scufflin’ Blues 3:01
Written-By – Garrison, Jefferson
7    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    If You Like Me Like I Like You 2:51
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
8    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Have You Ever Felt That Way? 2:59
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Castleton, Williams
9    Clarence Williams–    A Pane In The Glass 3:01
Written-By – Clarence Williams
10    Clarence Williams–    Too Low 2:54
Written-By – Clarence Williams
11    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Mississippi Blues (Home Town Toddle) 3:07
Written-By – Williams, Hegamin
12    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Steamboat Days 3:14
Written-By – Clarence Williams
13    Memphis Jazzers–    Close Fit Blues 3:07
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Memphis Jazzers–    Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home? 3:34
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
15    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me) 2:57
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – MacDonald, Hanley, Goodwin
16    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Mountain City Blues 2:58
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Charlie Troutt
17    Clarence Williams And His Band–    I’m Not Worryin’ 3:27
Written-By – Williams, Waller
18    Clarence Williams And His Band–    Touch-Down 2:51
Written-By – Fats Waller
19    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    In Our Cottage Of Love 3:17
Written-By – Shafer, Milne
20    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Lazy Mama 2:57
Written-By – Gifford, Jr., Gray
21    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    In Our Cottage Of Love 2:49
Written-By – Shafer, Milne
22    Clarence Williams' Jazz Kings–    Them Things Got Me 2:58
Written-By – Williams, Jackson
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 21, 22)
Banjo – Leroy Harris (tracks: 13 to 16), Unknown Artist
Banjo [?] – Leroy Harris (tracks: 7, 8)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 13 to 16, 21, 22), Unknown Artist
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 15, 16), Arville Harris (tracks: 1 to 6, 11 to 14), Russell Procope (tracks: 15, 16), Unknown Artist (tracks: 17 to 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone [?] – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 17, 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Alberto Socarras (tracks: 7, 8)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Arville Harris (tracks: 7, 8, 19 to 22), Prince Robinson (tracks: 15, 16)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 8, 11 to 20)
Cornet [Either/Or] – Ed Allen (tracks: 21, 22), King Oliver (tracks: 21, 22)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 21, 22)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1 to 6, 9 to 16, 19 to 22), James P. Johnson (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano [?] – J.C. Johnson (tracks: 17, 18)
Trombone – Ed Cuffee (tracks: 13 to 18), Unknown Artist (tracks: 21, 22)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 6, 11, 12, 19, 20)

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)

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