ROSA HENDERSON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 2 (1924) DOCD-5402 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of four Document CDs that reissue all of the recordings of the classic blues singer Rosa Henderson mostly has the vocalist accompanied by the unrelated pianist Fletcher Henderson and his sidemen (including cornetist Joe Smith, altoist Don Redman, and tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins) or by the Choc Choo Jazzers, a small group with pianist Cliff Jackson. Best among the 23 selections are "I'm a Good Gal But I'm a Thousan' Miles From Home," "West Indies Blues," "My Papa Doesn't Two-Time No Time," "Strut Yo' Puddy," and "Somebody's Doing What You Wouldn't Do." Although she would eventually slip into obscurity, Rosa Henderson was one of the better blues singers of the period. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Rosa Henderson–    I'm A Good Gal (But I'm A Thousan' Miles From Home)  3:10
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Jazz Five
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Teddy Nixon
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
2.    Rosa Henderson–    Papa Will Be Gone  3:26
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Jazz Five
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Trombone – Teddy Nixon
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
3.    Rosa Henderson–    Hey Hey And He He, I'm Charleston Crazy  2:53
Cornet – Joe Smith 
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
4.    Rosa Henderson–    Do Right Blues  3:22
Cornet – Joe Smith 
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
5.    Rosa Henderson–    Goin' Home  2:12
Piano [Poss.] – Porter Grainger
Steel Guitar – Lincoln M. Conaway
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
6.    Rosa Henderson–    West Indies Blues (42602)  2:18
Piano [Poss.] – Porter Grainger
Steel Guitar – Lincoln M. Conaway
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
7.    Rosa Henderson–    How Come You Do Me Like You Do  3:18
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
8.    Rosa Henderson–    My Papa Doesn't Two-Time No Time  3:05
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
9.    Rosa Henderson–    Clearing House Blues  2:57
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Jazz Five
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Speech [Male], Vocals [Male] – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Teddy Nixon
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
10.    Rosa Henderson–    West Indies Blues (12846/47)  2:59
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Clarinet – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson's Jazz Five
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Speech [Male], Vocals [Male] – Unknown Artist
Trombone – Teddy Nixon
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
11.    Rosa Henderson–    Back Woods Blues  2:42
Cornet [Prob.] – Howard Scott 
Orchestra – Henderson And His Orchestra
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
12.    Rosa Henderson–    Four-Flushin' Papa  3:09
Cornet [Prob.] – Howard Scott 
Orchestra – Henderson And His Orchestra
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
13.    Rosa Henderson–    Black Star Line (A West Indian Chant)  2:48
Piano – Edgar Dowell
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
14.    Rosa Henderson–    Barbadoes Blues  2:52
Effects – Unknown Artist
Piano – Edgar Dowell
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
15.    Rosa Henderson–    Chicago Monkey Man Blues  3:13
Piano – Edgar Dowell
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
16.    Rosa Henderson–    How'm I Gonna Get 'em (When You Keep On Holding 'Em Back)  3:11
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
17.    Rosa Henderson–    Barrel House Blues (13252)  3:03
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
18.    Rosa Henderson–    My Right Man  3:12
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
19.    Rosa Henderson Featured Vcl With Fletcher Henderson And His Club Alabam Orchestra–    Do That Thing  3:07
Banjo – Charlie Dixon
Brass Bass – Ralph Escudero
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Don Redman
Cornet – Elmer Chambers, Howard Scott 
Drums – Kaiser Marshall
Orchestra – Fletcher Henderson And His Club Alabam Orchestra
Piano – Fletcher Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Teddy Nixon
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
20.    Rosa Henderson–    I Can't Get The One I Want  2:54
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Trumpet – Harry Smith 
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
21.    Sally Ritz–    Barrel House Blues (5555)  3:16
Piano – Edgar Dowell
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
22.    Rosa Henderson And Choo Choo Jazzers–    Strut Yo' Puddy  2:53
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Trumpet [Prob.] – Rex Stewart
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
23.    Rosa Henderson And Choo Choo Jazzers–    Somebody's Doing What You Wouldn't Do 2:56
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson 

ROSA HENDERSON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 3 (1924-1926) DOCD-5403 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth and final CD in Document's Rosa Henderson series finishes off her recording career with nine numbers from 1926, a dozen from 1927, and two from 1931. Most notable are six numbers in which Rosa Henderson is accompanied by the great stride pianist James P. Johnson (including "Black Snake Moan" and "Can't Be Bothered With No Sheik"). Other selections have her assisted by the Three Hot Eskimos, the Four Black Diamonds, pianist Cliff Jackson, and cornetist Louis Metcalf. A perfectly done reissue series paying tribute to a talented if forgotten classic blues singer of the 1920s.  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Rosa Henderson, Choo Choo Jazzers–    Hard-Hearted Hannah  2:58
Cornet [Prob.] – Rex Stewart
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
2.    Sally Ritz–    Deep River Blues  3:02
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Poss.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
3.    Sally Ritz–    The Basement Blues  2:55
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Poss.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
4.    Rosa Henderson–    Don't Advertise Your Man  3:46
Banjo [Prob.] – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet [Prob.] – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Either/Or] – Bubber Miley, Rex Stewart, Tom Morris
Orchestra – Kansas City Five 
Piano [Prob.] – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Prob.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
5.    Rosa Henderson–    Twelfth Street Blues  2:48
Cornet – Louis Metcalf
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
6.    Rosa Henderson–    Memphis Bound (31677)  3:10
Cornet – Louis Metcalf
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
Whistle [Train-whistle] – Unknown Artist
7.    Rosa Henderson–    Memphis Bound (31678)  3:00
Cornet – Louis Metcalf
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
Whistle [Train-whistle] – Unknown Artist
8.    Rosa Henderson–    Undertaker's Blues  3:47
Banjo [Prob.] – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet [Prob.] – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Either/Or] – Bubber Miley, Rex Stewart, Tom Morris
Orchestra – Kansas City Five 
Piano [Prob.] – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Prob.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
9.    Rosa Henderson–    Everything My Sweetie Does (Pleases Me)  3:02
Banjo [Prob.] – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet [Prob.] – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Either/Or] – Bubber Miley, Rex Stewart, Tom Morris
Orchestra – Kansas City Five 
Piano [Prob.] – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
10.    Rosa Henderson–    It Takes A Two Time Papa  2:52
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
11.    Rosa Henderson–    Nobody Knows The Way I Feel 'Dis Mornin' 2:51
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Prob.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
12.    Rosa Henderson–    Penitentiary Bound Blues  2:56
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone [Prob.] – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
13.    Rosa Henderson–    12th Street Blues  2:54
Banjo – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Orchestra – Choo Choo Jazzers
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
14.    Rosa Henderson–    Get It Fixed  2:48
Banjo – Elmer Snowden
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
15.    Rosa Henderson–    Low Down Daddy Blues  3:00
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
16.    Rosa Henderson–    Poplar Bluff Blues  2:28
Piano – Louis Hooper
Trombone – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
17.    Rosa Henderson–    An' I Don't Mean If  2:52
Banjo – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
18.    Rosa Henderson–    You Can't Be Like My Last Man Was  2:50
Banjo – Elmer Snowden
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Orchestra – Three Jolly Miners
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
19.    Rosa Henderson–    Let's Talk About My Sweetie  2:54
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
20.    Rosa Henderson–    Mama Is Waitin' For You  3:01
Cornet – Rex Stewart
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
21.    Mamie Harris–    You Get Mad  2:51
Piano – Fats Waller
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
22.    Mamie Harris–    What's The Matter Now?  2:40
Piano – Fats Waller
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
23.    Rosa Henderson–    Here Comes My Baby  3:03
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Either/Or] – Bubber Miley, Tom Morris
Orchestra – Three Hot Eskimos
Piano [Poss./Or] – Cliff Jackson
Piano [Prob./Or] – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson

ROSA HENDERSON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 4 (1926-1931) DOCD-5404 (1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fourth and final CD in Document's Rosa Henderson series finishes off her recording career with nine numbers from 1926, a dozen from 1927, and two from 1931. Most notable are six numbers in which Rosa Henderson is accompanied by the great stride pianist James P. Johnson (including "Black Snake Moan" and "Can't Be Bothered With No Sheik"). Other selections have her assisted by the Three Hot Eskimos, the Four Black Diamonds, pianist Cliff Jackson, and cornetist Louis Metcalf. A perfectly done reissue series paying tribute to a talented if forgotten classic blues singer of the 1920s. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Chicago Policeman Blues  2:53
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Either/Or] – Bubber Miley, Tom Morris
Orchestra – Three Hot Eskimos
Piano [Poss./Or] – Cliff Jackson
Piano [Prob./Or] – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
2.    Daddy, Come Back  2:55
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Cornet – Louis Metcalf
Orchestra – Four Black Diamonds
Piano [Poss./Or] – Edgar Dowell, Louis Hooper
Piano [Prob./Or] – Louis Hooper
Trombone – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
3.    I've Got Somebody Now  2:46
Clarinet – Bob Fuller
Cornet – Louis Metcalf
Orchestra – Four Black Diamonds
Piano [Poss./Or] – Edgar Dowell, Louis Hooper
Piano [Prob./Or] – Louis Hooper
Trombone – Jake Frazier
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
4.    Rough House Blues (A Reckless Woman's Lament)  2:56
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
5.    She Belongs To Me (He Belongs To Me)  2:53
Clarinet – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
6.    He's My Man  3:11
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
7.    In That Apartment Upstairs  3:03
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
8.    Papa, If You Can't Do Better  2:37
Clarinet [Poss.] – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Poss.] – Louis Metcalf
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
9.    I'm Saving It All For You  2:49
Clarinet [Poss.] – Bob Fuller
Cornet [Poss.] – Louis Metcalf
Piano – Louis Hooper
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
10.    Git Goin'  2:52
Cornet – Demus Dean
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
11.    Some Day You'll Come Back To Me  2:44
Cornet – Demus Dean
Piano – Porter Grainger
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
12.    Slow Up Papa  3:01
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
13.    Hock Shop Blues  3:10
Cornet – Unknown Artist
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
14.    Black Snake Moan  2:44
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
15.    Fortune Teller Blues  2:35
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
16.    Gay Catin' Daddy  2:48
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
17.    I'm Saving It All For You  2:50
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
18.    You Can't It Unless I Give It To You  2:41
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
19.    Dyin' Crap-Shooter's Blues  3:04
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
20.    Police Blues  3:03
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
21.    Never Let Your Left Hand Know  2:29
Piano – Cliff Jackson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
22.    Doggone Blues  3:11
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson
23.    Can't Be Bothered With No Sheik  3:19
Piano – James P. Johnson
Vocals – Rosa Henderson

LIZZIE MILES — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order • 3 (1928-1939) DOCD-5460 (1996) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The third of three Document Lizzie Miles CDs has some of the finest recordings of the singer's career, particularly on the first half of this disc. After three numbers with a trio not helped by the presence of clarinetist Bob Fuller, Miles performs two superior songs ("You're Such a Cruel Papa to Me" and "My Dif'rent Kind of Man") while joined by cornetist King Oliver, Albert Socarras (doubling on flute and alto) and pianist Clarence Williams. Miles fits right in with a hot combo led by the unknown Jasper Davis (probably a pseudonym) that includes cornetist Louis Metcalf, altoist Charlie Holmes and pianist Cliff Jackson. She is also featured on two songs in duet with the great pianist Jelly Roll Morton, three tunes with pianist Harvey Brooks (including "My Man O' War" and "Electrician Blues") and joined by the trio of pianist Porter Grainger, guitarist Teddy Bunn and bassist Pops Foster (highlighted by "Yellow Dog Gal Blues") in 1930. Nine years passed before Lizzie Miles had an opportunity to record again. At the age of 44 she sounds fine on seven numbers with the Melrose Stompers (a Chicago swing septet whose personnel is long lost) from 1939; the band is also heard taking "Mellow Rhythm" as an instrumental. Highly recommended, particularly for the 1928-30 recordings, this CD has Lizzie Miles' last recordings before she began her comeback in 1952. Scott Yanow  

Tracklist :

1 –Lizzie Miles

         Shake It Down 2:40

Banjo – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Bob Fuller

Piano – Louis Hooper

Written-By – Spencer Williams  

2 –Lizzie Miles

          Banjo Papa (Stop Pickin' On Me) 2:48

Banjo – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Bob Fuller

Piano – Louis Hooper

Written-By – Andy Razaf

3 –Lizzie Miles

 Your Worries Ain't Like Mine 2:49

Banjo – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Bob Fuller

Piano – Louis Hooper

Written-By – Andy Razaf

4 –Lizzie Miles

         You're Such A Cruel Papa To Me 3:10

Cornet – King Oliver

Flute, Alto Saxophone – Albert Socarras

Piano – Clarence Williams

5 –Lizzie Miles

          My Dif'rent Kind O' Man 3:03

Cornet – King Oliver

Flute, Alto Saxophone – Albert Socarras 

Piano – Clarence Williams

Written-By – Jack Palmer 

6 –Lizzie Miles

Georgia Gigolo 2:54

Alto Saxophone – Charlie Grimes

Banjo – Elmer Snowden

Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Charlie Holmes

Cornet – Louis Metcalf, Unknown Artist

Leader – Jasper Davis

Orchestra – Jasper Davis And His Orchestra

Piano [Poss.] – Cliff Jackson

Sousaphone [Bb] – Bass Moore

Trombone – Henry Hicks

Written-By – Spencer Williams 

7 –Lizzie Miles

          It Feels So Good 3:01

Alto Saxophone – Charlie Grimes 

Banjo – Elmer Snowden

Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Charlie Holmes

Cornet – Louis Metcalf, Unknown Artist

Leader – Jasper Davis

Orchestra – Jasper Davis And His Orchestra

Piano [Poss.] – Cliff Jackson

Sousaphone [Bb] – Bass Moore

Trombone – Henry Hicks

Written-By – Spencer Williams 

8 –Lizzie Miles

I Hate A Man Like You 3:22

Piano, Written-By – Jelly Roll Morton

9 –Lizzie Miles

Don't Tell Me Nothin' 'Bout My Man 2:57

Piano, Written-By – Jelly Roll Morton

10 –Lizzie Miles My Man O' War 3:28

Piano – Harvey Brooks  

Written-By – Andy Razaf, Spencer Williams  

11 –Lizzie Miles

Electrician Blues 3:12

Piano – Harvey Brooks 

12 –Lizzie Miles

Good Time Papa 3:36

Piano – Harvey Brooks 

Written-By – Lizzie Miles

13 –Lizzie Miles

The Man I Got Ain't The Man I Want 2:54

Bass – Pops Foster

Guitar – Teddy Bunn

Piano – Porter Grainger

14 –Lizzie Miles

Yellow Dog Gal Blues 2:55

Bass – Pops Foster

Guitar – Teddy Bunn

Piano – Porter Grainger

15 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

Mellow Rhythm 2:34

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

16 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

He's My Man  2:49

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

17 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

That's All Right Daddy 2:56

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

18 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

Hold Me, Parson 2:46

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

19 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

         Keep Knockin' No. 2 (But You Can't Come On) 2:50

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

20 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

          Stranger Blues 3:00

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

21 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

Twenty Grand Blues 2:49

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

22 –Lizzie Miles And The Melrose Stompers

          He's Red Hot To Me 2:49

Alto Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Bass – Unknown Artist

Clarinet – Unknown Artist

Drums – Unknown Artist

Piano – Unknown Artist

Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist

Trumpet – Unknown Artist

Credits :

Teddy Bunn - Guitar

Pops Foster - Sax (Baritone)

Bob Fuller - Clarinet

Porter Grainger, Louis Hooper - Piano

Charlie Grimes - Sax (Alto)

Henry Hicks - Trombone

Charlie Holmes - Clarinet, Sax (Alto)

King Oliver - Conductor

Lizzie Miles - Composer, Vocals (tracks: 1 to 14, 16 to 22) 

Jelly Roll Morton - Composer, Piano

Albert Socarras - Flute, Sax (Alto)

Clarence Williams - Composer, Piano

SIDNEY BECHET – 1938-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 608 (1991) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This entry in Classics' chronological reissue of the master takes of Bechet's early recordings finds the soprano great playing with trumpeter Tommy Ladnier and Mezz Mezzrow on the famous "Really the Blues" session, performing a hit version of "Summertime," overshadowing the other members of the all-star Port of Harlem Seven and recording "Indian Summer" and a hot version of "One O'Clock Jump" in a 1940 session for Victor. However, half of this CD is taken up by an odd and surprisingly restrained marathon date with pianist Willie The Lion Smith in which they perform Haitian folk songs. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

SIDNEY BECHET – 1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 619 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Classics' chronological reissue of Bechet's recordings (at least the regular takes) continues with a pair of songs made with blues singer Josh White, eight very enjoyable performances cut with a quartet consisting of cornetist Muggsy Spanier, guitarist Carmen Mastren and bassist Wellman Braud, and a pair of Bechet's Victor sessions. This is one of the strongest entries in this valuable series. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

SIDNEY BECHET – 1941-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 860 (1996) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This collection covers Sidney Bechet's recordings during most of the World War II years. Music from his final two Victor dates begins the CD, highlighted by memorable versions of "The Mooche" and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Three extended V-Disc performances (all between four and five minutes long) match Bechet's soprano with trombonist Vic Dickenson in exciting fashion. Also included is a Blue Note date that has the classic "Blue Horizon" and four numbers on which Bechet is a sideman with pianist Cliff Jackson's Village Cats. While Bechet is the main star, there are also hot solos from Dickenson, trumpeters Charlie Shavers and Sidney DeParis, and pianists Willie "The Lion" Smith and Cliff Jackson. Sidney Bechet always sounds enthusiastic, and listeners not already owning a complete collection of his Victor dates will find this collection quite enjoyable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

SIDNEY BECHET – 1945-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 954 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Many uptight critics and jazz historians who analyze Sidney Bechet's Blue Note recordings seem unable to avoid the annoying habit of informed nitpicking. The music deserves a more humble assessment, whereby the ego of the beholder withdraws, allowing breathing space for the true nature of jazz and collective creativity. The recordings made on January 29, 1945, for example, are exceptionally satisfying for anyone who is able to absorb the sound of informal New Orleans polyphony. Max Kaminsky, George Lugg, and Bechet form a strong front line, roundly supported by Art Hodes, Pops Foster, and Freddie Moore, who sings Papa Charlie Jackson's gruff opus "Salty Dog." Kaminsky growls into a mute during Mel Stitzel's definitive slow drag "Jackass Blues," and Artie Matthews' "Weary Blues" rolls at a brisk trot. "High Society" is a wonderful celebration for those who are able to relax and enjoy a good old-fashioned street parade. The next date, involving Bunk Johnson, has attracted quite a bit of contentious commentary. Yet Johnson of all people should not be evaluated using standards usually applied to musicians of other generations or social backgrounds. Here Bechet used only the clarinet, deferring to Johnson, who frankly disliked the soprano saxophone. Jelly Roll Morton's "Milenberg Joys" is a handsome opener, and "Days Beyond Recall" a thoughtful blues. Trombonist Sandy Williams occupies the spotlight during the other slow drag, "Up in Sidney's Flat." In keeping with the diversity of this variegated tradition, the band also delivered up an old-time spiritual and "Porto Rico," a rhumba/stomp that languished in obscurity for 40 years, probably because it didn't fit into someone's preconceived notion of what a traditional jazz band was supposed to sound like. Bechet's next pairing was with clarinet wizard Albert Nicholas. "Quincy Street Stomp" is a spirited strut, and "Old Stack O'Lee" a venerable blues fresh up from the marinade. "Bechet's Fantasy" is full of reflections exquisitely expressed, as if strolling through the Garden District naming each flower and shrub. "Weary Way Blues" was composed and recorded by Lovie Austin and Ida Cox in 1923. Bechet and Nicholas handle the relic gently, almost affectionately. This segment of the Sidney Bechet chronology closes with six sides recorded for the Disc label in May of 1946. Here Bechet is part of a six-piece band, accompanying vocalist Stella Brooks, who at her best sounded as good as Lee Wiley. "St. Louis Blues" is nice and tough, while the sexy "I'm a Little Piece of Leather" feels almost like a backroom burlesque. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :

JOE MARSALA – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 902 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the story of a man who got his start with traditionally oriented musicians like Wingy Manone and Eddie Condon, then gradually evolved into a "modern" sounding artist who never completely turned his back on the old-fashioned music that had spawned him. Beginning with a typical Chicago jam formula blowing session, Joe's All-Timers -- essentially the Condon band with Joe as leader -- present the slow blues/fast blues pairing, sandwiched between two standard New Orleans stomps. A striking contrast occurs when we encounter the session of November 29, 1944 as Joe's wife Adele Girard opens several of the tunes with arpeggios from her harp. Sounding a bit like her contemporary Robert Maxwell, she swings a bit but also sends flurries of almost Harpo Marx-like effervescence into the air. This combines strangely with Chuck Wayne's amplified guitar and the mingling of trumpet and clarinet. The melodies themselves demonstrate a very modernized swing, with an unmistakable bop edge, right on the money for the mid-1940s, if not somewhat ahead of their time. The tempi are very quick, hasty enough to have given Eddie Condon a headache if he'd even listen to such stuff. During the dynamic "Joe-Joe Jump" Adele plays virtuosic swing harp, showing off her amazing technique. This must have been a very exciting act in person. On the second half of the date Adele takes a break while Linda Keene sings two interpersonal relationship blues, very slow and sultry, obviously inspired by Billie Holiday. Joe was an exceptionally sensitive bluesman, working in wonderfully understated ways with trumpeter Joe Thomas. Sitting in at the piano behind the singer was Leonard Feather, who also wrote the material for her. Leonard composed topical blues for a lot of musicians, most notably Hot Lips Page. "Don't Let It End" is Joe's own piece of blues, deep and clear, powerfully effective as an instrumental. The Joe Marsala Sextet had Dizzy Gillespie sitting in on January 12,1945. It's interesting to compare these sides with the other recordings Gillespie participated in during that same month (see Classics 888). "Perdido" is a creative delight and "Melancholy Baby" becomes a feisty swing-to-bop outing. Chuck Wayne is very plugged in and Diz enjoys himself, working up wild solos over these familiar melodies, signing his name all over "On the Alamo." Joe of course takes this in stride, sounding as comfortable as ever with the music evolving so rapidly all around him. "Cherokee" inevitably exudes bop juice, running rapid and sailing through frantic changes as Diz rips it up. On May 4, 1945 Adele Girard got feature billing with her husband's septet, integrating her swing harp into the ensemble as if it were the most natural thing in the world to do. "Southern Comfort" is a suave line, as cool as cukes. There's a spry run through Rodgers & Hart's "Lover," a welcome reinterpretation of "Don't Let It End" (sounding really nice with the addition of the harp), and a sassy version of "Gotta Be This or That," with vocal by Marsala himself. "East of the Sun" is all lavender and lace and "Slightly Dizzy" pours on the bop, showcasing the inventive piano of young Gene DiNovi. "I Would Do Anything for You" comes out elegant, sophisticated and calm. A marvelous finale for this fascinating portrait of a remarkable clarinetist and the unique bands that he led at the stylistic crossroads of 1944 and 1945. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

CLIFF JACKSON – 1930-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 979 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

None of this material has ever been easy to find. The selections by Cliff Jackson and his Krazy Kats are exceptionally rare. In addition to Jackson's occasional flourishes of dexterous Harlem piano, highlights include a trombonist named Noisy Richardson, trumpeter and scat vocalist Henry Goodwin and reedman Rudy Powell, who would make a lot of great records with Fats Waller in 1935. Some of these numbers are pleasantly frantic stomps, "Horse Feathers," "Torrid Rhythm" and "The Terror" sounding similar in some ways to recordings made between 1925 and 1930 by other large hot bands, such as Fess Williams, Charlie Johnson or Sam Wooding. Also issued bearing the names of the Tuxedo Syncopators and the Newport Syncopators, most of these early records came out on the Grey Gull record label under the name of Marvin Smolev and His Syncopators. Whoever the hell Smolev was, he had a hand in composing 8 out of 12 songs included here, and quite a number of these are quaint, conventional hotsy totsy stuff. It's a shame that this band didn't get around to making more records. The Krazy Kats (also billed as the Crazy Cats) first came on the scene in 1927 and were considered by other bands to be formidably awesome competition. Major phonograph companies apparently never figured this out. Like many worthy musicians, Jackson had to wait a long time -- March of 1944 -- before he could lead another band in a recording studio. Fortunately the quartet contained clarinetist Pee Wee Russell, bassist Bob Casey and drummer Jack "The Bear" Parker. They emitted a fairly rowdy number called "Quiet Please," Fats Waller's "Squeeze Me," James P. Johnson's "If I Could Be With You" and a wild rip through the "Weary Blues," with blistering runs on the piano and a good example of the Bear's percussive bravado. The eight remaining tracks are piano solos of great potency, allowing the listener to appreciate Jackson's Eastern Seaboard style in all its glory. "Royal Garden Blues" packs in just about everything that needs to be said in only a little over two minutes. "Limehouse Blues" is similarly hot, and places Jackson directly within the realm of what critics and historians call the Harlem Stride Piano tradition. "Who" and "Tea for Two" are dizzyingly executed, bringing on the inevitable question -- why wasn't this man given more opportunities to record? arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :

BUNNY BERIGAN AND HIS BOYS – 1935-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 734 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bunny Berigan began his prime stretch of solo recordings with this collection of songs cut between 1935-1936. Berigan still worked as a sideman for the likes of Benny Goodman during this period, and he even did some session and film work, but it is his own material which has solidified his reputation as a top figure of the big band era. And while later sides from 1937-1939 would trump some of the ones included here, this collection still brims over with exciting and tight material from a variety of Berigan contingents. In addition to his first stab at "I Can't Get Started" (somewhat inferior to the classic version from 1937), Berigan is featured on a bevy of small group and a large ensemble highlights, like "Chicken and Waffles" and "Blues." There's also a clutch of songs cut under pianist and Goodman-alum Frank Froeba's leadership, which spotlight the pleasant-enough vocal talents of Midge Williams and Chris Bullock. Also on hand, jazz royalty like Artie Shaw, Cozy Cole, Eddie Condon, and Bud Freeman. A fine mix from Berigan's early heyday. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist :
1    Bunny Berigan And His Blue Boys–    You Took Advantage Of Me 3:24
Written-By – Rodgers - Hart
2    Bunny Berigan And His Blue Boys–    Chicken And Waffles 3:00
Written-By – Berigan
3    Bunny Berigan And His Blue Boys–    I'm Coming Virginia 2:44
Written-By – Heywood
4    Bunny Berigan And His Blue Boys–    Blues 3:00
Written-By – Berigan
5    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    It's Been So Long 2:45
Written-By – Adamson, Donaldson
6    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    I'd Rather Lead A Band 2:00
Written-By – Berlin
7    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    Let Yourself Go 2:00
Written-By – Berlin
8    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    Swing, Mister Charlie 3:06
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written By – Robinson - Taylor - Brooks
9    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    A Melody From The Sky 1:58
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Alter, Mitchell
10    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    I Can't Get Started 3:22
Vocals – Bunny Berigan
Written-By – Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke
11    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    A Little Bit Later On 2:50
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Neiburg, Levinson
12    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    Rhythm Saved The World 1:50
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Cahn, Chaplin
13    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    Just To Be In Caroline 2:59
Vocals – Tempo King
Written By – Hines - Carpenter - Dunlap
Written-By – Carpenter, Hines
14    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    'Tain't Nobody's Biz'ness What I Do 2:29
Vocals – Tempo King
Written By – Brown - Sampsel - Markowitz
15    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    I Nearly Let Love Go Slipping Thru' My Fingers 1:47
Written-By – Woods
16    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    But Definitely 2:09
Written-By – Revel, Gordon
17    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    If I Had My Way 2:03
Written-By – Kendis, Klein
18    Bunny Berigan And His Boys–    When I'm With You 2:45
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Revel, Gordon
19    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    Whatcha Gonna Do When There Ain't No Swing? 3:16
Vocals – Midge Williams
Written-By – Neiburg, Levinson
20    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    Organ Grinder's Swing 3:08
Vocals – Midge Williams
Written-By – De Lange, Hudson
21    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    Rhythm Lullaby 2:59
Vocals – Midge Williams
Written By – Jenkins
22    Frank Froeba And His Swing Band–    It All Begins And Ends With You 3:12
Vocals – Midge Williams
Written By – Klages - Froeba - Palmer
Written-By – Froeba, Klages
Credits :    
Bass – Artie Bernstein (tracks: 13, 14), Artie Shapiro (tracks: 19 to 22), Grachan Moncur (tracks: 1 to 4), Mort Stuhlmaker (tracks: 5 to 12, 15 to 18)
Clarinet – Artie Shaw (tracks: 9, 10), Joe Marsala (tracks: 5 to 8, 13, 14, 19 to 22), Paul Ricci (tracks: 11, 12), Slats Long (tracks: 15 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Edgar Sampson (tracks: 1 to 4)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Eddie Miller (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Cozy Cole (tracks: 9 to 12, 15 to 22), Dave Tough (tracks: 5 to 8), Maurice Purtill (tracks: 13, 14), Ray Bauduc (tracks: 1 to 4)
Guitar – Bobby Bennett (tracks: 19 to 22), Clayton Duerr (tracks: 13, 14), Dave Barbour (tracks: 5 to 8), Eddie Condon (tracks: 9 to 12, 15 to 18)
Piano – Cliff Jackson (tracks: 1 to 4), Frank Froeba (tracks: 13, 14, 19 to 22), Joe Bushkin (tracks: 5 to 12, 15 to 18)
Tenor Saxophone – Art Drelinger (tracks: 19 to 22), Bud Freeman (tracks: 5 to 8), Forrest Crawford (tracks: 5 to 12), Herbie Haymer (tracks: 13, 14)
Trombone – Jack Lacey (tracks: 15 to 18)
Trumpet – Bunny Berigan

IDA COX — Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order • Volume 5 (1939-1940) DOCD-5651 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Other than an album from 1961, this CD has blues singer Ida Cox's final recordings. The first seven selections (which include a previously unreleased "One Hour Mama") has four additional alternate takes. Cox is heard in 1939 backed by an accurately-titled "all-star band" that consists of trumpeter Hot Lips Page, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Edmond Hall, either James P. Johnson or Fletcher Henderson on piano, guitarist Charlie Christian, bassist Artie Bernstein and Lionel Hampton on drums. Although her prime was considered the 1920s, Ida Cox on "Death Letter Blues" and "Four Day Creep" still sounds pretty strong. The remainder of this CD is taken from a 1940 session with trumpeter Red Allen, Higginbotham, Hall, pianist Cliff Jackson, bassist Billy Taylor, and drummer Jimmy Hoskins that resulted in four titles and four alternate takes; only two performances were released previously, but Cox's singing is excellent. It is a pity that because musical styles had changed, Ida Cox was largely forgotten during this period. Scott Yanow

Tracklist
1 Deep Sea Blues (Take 1) 3:20
Ida Cox
2 Deep Sea Blues (Take 2) 3:24
Ida Cox
3 Death Letter Blues (Take 1) 3:17
Ida Cox
4 Death Letter Blues (Take 4) 2:46
Ida Cox
5 One Hour Mama (Take 4) 2:56
Ida Cox / Porter Grainger
6 One Hour Mama (Breakdown) (Take 5) 0:17
Ida Cox
7 One Hour Mama (Take 6) 3:07
Ida Cox / Porter Grainger
8 Four Day Creep 3:28
Ida Cox
9 Pink Slip Blues 3:01
Porter Grainger
10 Hard Times Blues 3:00
Ida Cox
11 Take Him Off My Mind 3:05
Porter Grainger
12 Last Mile Blues (Take 1) 3:12
Ida Cox / Jesse Crump
13 Last Mile Blues (Take 2) 3:19
Ida Cox / Jesse Crump
14 I Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Break My Heart 3:21
Ida Cox
15 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 1) 2:55
16 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 2) 3:00
17 I Can't Quit That Man (Take 3) 3:17
18 You Got To Swing And Sway (Take 1) 2:57
Ida Cox
19 You Got To Swing And Sway (Take 2) 2:33
Ida Cox

Credits

Henry "Red" Allen - Trumpet

Artie Bernstein - Bass, Sax (Bass)

Charlie Christian - Guitar

Ida Cox - Composer, Primary Artist, Vocals

Edmond Hall - Clarinet

Lionel Hampton - Drums

Fletcher Henderson - Piano

J.C. Higginbotham - Trombone

Jimmie Hoskins - Drums

Cliff Jackson & His Crazy Cats - Piano

James P. Johnson & His Orchestra - Piano

James P. Johnson - Piano

Hot Lips Page - Trumpet

Billy Taylor - Sax (Bass)

Billy Taylor, Sr. - Bass