GIL EVANS ft. CLAUDE THORNHILL AND HIS ORCHESTRA WITH LEE KONITZ — The Real Birth Of The Cool : Studio Recordings (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS — The Complete Instrumental Charts for Claude Thornhill - 1942-1947 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

HAZEL SCOTT – 1939-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1308 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A brilliant pianist who also had a warm singing voice, Hazel Scott gained some recognition in the early '40s for her swinging versions of classical themes. This valuable CD has all of her early recordings through May 1945, most of which have been rarely reissued. Scott is first heard on four songs with a pickup group organized by Leonard Feather called the Sextet of the Rhythm Club of London. While that unit features clarinetist Danny Polo and altoist Pete Brown, the next 16 selections (four of which are V-discs) put the spotlight entirely on Scott, who is backed by either J.C. Heard or Sid Catlett on drums. She shows off both her technique and her creativity on six classical works, swing standards, and a couple basic blues originals, singing on "People Will Say We're in Love" and "C Jam Blues." The final four numbers are quite a bit different as Scott is showcased as a fairly straight and sophisticated singer with orchestras conducted by Toots Camarata. Overall, this CD is highly recommended, reminding today's listeners how talented a pianist Scott was in her early days. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

JOE SULLIVAN – 1933-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 821 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of pianist Joe Sullivan's early recordings as a leader are on this definitive CD. Sullivan is heard in a dozen solo performances from 1933, 1935, and 1941 (including the two earliest versions of his hit "Little Rock Getaway" along with memorable renditions of "My Little Pride and Joy" and "Honeysuckle Rose"), four selections with the Three Deuces (a trio with clarinetist Pee Wee Russell and drummer Zutty Singleton), and eight numbers with an octet featuring the underrated trumpeter Ed Anderson, trombonist Benny Morton, clarinetist Edmond Hall, and vocals by Big Joe Turner (who manages to turn "I Can't Give You Anything but Love" into a blues) and Helen Ward. This French import is essential for fans of the great stride pianist. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

GEORGE WETTLING – 1940-1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 909 (1996) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Chicago percussionist George Wettling was famous for his delightful old-fashioned rim-tapping and rock-solid support behind jazz bands both large and small. He was practically the house drummer for Commodore Records and appears on the majority of Eddie Condon's recordings. For the seasoned traditional jazz fanatic, an entire CD documenting a series of sessions led (or fortified) by George Wettling is like some sort of a dream come true. Although mostly typical of what music historians call Chicago-style traditional jazz, everything here was recorded in the Big Apple. On January 16, 1940, Wettling's Chicago Rhythm Kings ground out four excellent sides for release on the Decca label. The lineup is incredible -- trumpeter Charlie Teagarden, trombonist Floyd O'Brien, clarinetist Danny Polo, and Joe Marsala -- usually associated with the clarinet, heard here on tenor sax -- backed by Jess Stacy, Jack Bland, Artie Shapiro, and Wettling. In March of 1940, Wettling recorded a pair of fine duets with pianist Dick Cary. Rodgers & Hart's lively "You Took Advantage of Me" brings to mind the terrific version that Wettling made with Bud Freeman and Jess Stacy back in 1938. The Dick Cary records and four sides by the George Wettling Jazz Trio were issued by the Black & White label. The trio in question involved pianist Gene Schroeder and clarinetist Mezz Mezzrow. Although the Classics liner notes take potshots at Mezzrow's "technical shortcomings," an unbiased listener will sense no such deficiency and might even appreciate the refreshingly funky informality of this or any other session in which Mezzrow took part. By the way, this has got to be the slowest, most relaxed version of "China Boy" ever recorded, up until Wettling kicks it up into third gear and they cook it to a gravy. The George Wettling Rhythm Kings assembled again in an almost completely different incarnation on July 21, 1944. Four tasty sides were sautéed for the Commodore catalog, beginning with the old "Heebie Jeebies." Wettling, with pianist Dave Bowman and bassist Bob Haggart, supported a front line of Billy Butterfield, Wilbur DeParis, and Edmond Hall. Anybody who loves and respects the memory of DeParis will want to obtain this CD in order to have this session on hand at all times. It's also great to have four Keynote sides recorded on December 12th by George Wettling's New Yorkers. Harry Lim's Keynote project often mingled players from different backgrounds, and this band is an extreme example of this tendency at work. Jack Teagarden -- he sings two of these melodies in his warm, soothing voice -- is joined by trumpeter Joe Thomas, clarinetist Hank D'Amico, the mighty Coleman Hawkins, lightning pianist Herman Chittison, bassist Billy Taylor, and the always dependable George Wettling. If this band sounds as though it had little time for rehearsing, that's a good thing. It's what this kind of jazz is all about. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

JACK TEAGARDEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 839 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Volume four in the complete works of trombonist Jack Teagarden as reissued by Classics contains all of his studio recordings made between February 1940 and January 1941. Most of the 20 selections are by Teagarden's second big band, an entity that came together in 1939 and lasted until 1947. Aside from Mr. T, the one player to really listen for is clarinetist Danny Polo. A scan of the remaining personnel reveals little about this orchestra other than the incidence of memorable names like those of trumpeter Pokey Carriere and trombonist Seymour Goldfinger. Arrangements are attributed to Irving Szathmary (composer of theme music for TV's Get Smart and I'm Dickens, He's Fenster) and African American pianist Phil Moore, who also arranged for Tommy Dorsey and Harry James. There are numerous vocals by Kitty Kallen, Marianne Dunn, and David Allen. The perkiest of these is a version of Eddie Durham and Taps Miller's hepcat staple "Wham (Re-Bop-Boom-Bam!)" While Teagarden & co. did nice things with Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" and "Frenesi," the jazz heart of this album exists in tracks 13-16, which were recorded on December 15, 1940 for the Hot Record Society on 12" 78 rpm platters, allowing for durations exceeding four minutes per side. Teagarden's Big Eight was an uncommonly solid unit composed of strong improvisers, especially Ellingtonian front liners Rex Stewart, Barney Bigard, and Ben Webster. The equally impressive rhythm section consisted of drummer Dave Tough, bassist Billy Taylor, pianist Billy Kyle (a cardinal member of the John Kirby Sextet) and guitarist Brick Fleagle, whose presence almost invariably indicated the presence of his friend and collaborator Rex Stewart. Most of the participants, in fact, had recorded together for HRS five months earlier as Rex Stewart's Big Seven. As an album, this entry in the Classics Teagarden chronology offers four supremely well-crafted traditional jazz numbers and 16 big-band sides garnished with pop vocals. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Love For Sale 3:00
Arranged By – Irving Szathmary
2    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    You, You Darling    3:07
3    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Moon And The Willow Tree    3:17
4    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Wham (Re-Bop-Boom-Bam)    3:11
5    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Devil May Care    3:17
6    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Night On The Shalimar    3:24
7    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    I Hear Bluebirds    3:23
8    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Fatima's Drummer Boy    2:45
9    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Now I Lay Me Down To Dream    3:23
10    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Wait 'Till I Catch You In My Dreams    3:12
11    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    And So Do I    3:26
12    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    River Home    3:11
13    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    St James Infirmary    4:16
14    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise    4:09
15    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    The Big Eight Blues    4:15
16    Jack Teagarden's Big Eight–    Shine    3:56
17    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Here's My Heart    3:09
18    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Frenesi    2:55
19    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    It All Comes Back To Now    2:58
20    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Accidentally On Purpose    3:19
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Benny Lagasse (tracks: 5 to 8), Jack Goldie (tracks: 1 to 4), Joe Ferdinando (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Tony Antonelli (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Art St. John (tracks: 1 to 12)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Danny Polo (tracks: 9 to 12, 17 to 20)
Bass [String Bass] – Arnold Fishkind (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Billy Taylor Sr. (tracks: 13 to 16)
Clarinet – Barney Bigard (tracks: 13 to 16)
Cornet – Rex Stewart (tracks: 13 to 16)
Drums – Dave Tough (tracks: 13 to 16), Ed Naquin (tracks: 1 to 4), Paul Collins (6) (tracks: 5 to 12, 17 to 20)
Guitar – Brick Fleagle (tracks: 13 to 16)
Piano – Billy Kyle (tracks: 13 to 16), Ernie Hughes (tracks: 17 to 20), Nat Jaffe (tracks: 1 to 12)
Tenor Saxophone – Art Beck (tracks: 17 to 20), Art Moore (tracks: 17 to 20), Ben Webster (tracks: 13 to 16), Larry Walsh (tracks: 1 to 12)
Trombone – Jack Teagarden, Joe Ferrall (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Jose Gutierrez (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Seymour Goldfinger (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20)
Trumpet – John Fallstitch (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Pokey Carriere (tracks: 17 to 20), Sid Feller (tracks: 1 to 12, 17 to 20), Tom Gonsoulin* (tracks: 1 to 12)
Vocals – David Allen (tracks: 9, 10, 12, 17, 19), Jack Teagarden (tracks: 8, 13), Kitty Kallen (tracks: 1 to 4), Lynne Clark (tracks: 20), Marianne Dunne (tracks: 5 to 7, 11)

JACK TEAGARDEN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1943 | The Classics Chronological Series – 874 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fifth Classics CD to reissue all of trombonist/vocalist Jack Teagarden's early recordings as a leader has more than its share of gems. A dozen selections feature his 1941 big band, and unlike earlier sessions, there are no indifferent vocals or unnecessary pop baggage. Teagarden is heard in prime form on "Chicks Is Wonderful" (which strangely enough is an instrumental), "St. James Infirmary," "A Hundred Years from Today," and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." There are also two selections that Teagarden performed in the movie Birth of the Blues with Bing Crosby: the classic title cut (sung by Crosby) and "The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid" which finds Teagarden, Bing, and Mary Martin all interacting in cheerful form. The last seven numbers on this highly enjoyable CD feature Teagarden jamming with the Capitol International Jazzmen in 1943. He takes three vocals (including "Stars Fell on Alabama") and is well showcased on a previously unissued "Mighty Lak' a Rose." In addition, tenor saxophonist Dave Matthews takes his greatest solo on "In My Solitude"; Billy May takes his hottest trumpet solos throughout the date; pianist Joe Sullivan is a strong asset; and the clarinet spot is taken by either Jimmie Noone or Heinie Beau. "I'm Sorry I Made You Cry" and "'Deed I Do" are both quite hot. Recommended. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist
1    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Dark Eyes    3:16
2    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Prelude In C Sharp Minor    3:19
3    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Chicks Is Wonderful    3:18
4    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Blues To The Lonely    2:58
5    Bing Crosby, Mary Martin With Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Waiter And The Porter And The Upstairs Maid    3:08
6    Bing Crosby With Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Birth Of The Blues    3:12
7    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Blue River    3:07
8    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    St. James Infirmary    3:13
9    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    What Did I Do To Be So Black And Blue    3:04
10    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    A Hundred Years From Today    2:58
11    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    A Rhythm Hymn    2:58
12    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Prelude To The Blues    3:13
13    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    The Blues Have Got Me    3:07
14    Jack Teagarden And His Orchestra–    Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen    3:04
15    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    Clambake In B Flat    2:46
16    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    Casanova's Lament    2:54
17    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    In My Solitude    2:57
18    The Capitol International Jazzmen–    I'm Sorry I Made You Cry    2:52
19    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    Mighty Lak' A Rose    2:47
20    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    Stars Fell On Alabama    2:57
21    Jack Teagarden's Chicagoans–    'Deed I Do    2:36
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Joe Ferdinando (tracks: 1 to 14), Tony Antonelli (tracks: 1 to 14)
Bass – Art Shapiro (tracks: 15 to 21)
Bass [String Bass] – Arnold Fishkind (tracks: 1 to 10), Myron Shapler (tracks: 11 to 14)
Clarinet – Heinie Beau (tracks: 19 to 21), Jimmie Noone (tracks: 15 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Danny Polo (tracks: 1 to 14)
Drums – Paul Collins (tracks: 1 to 14), Zutty Singleton (tracks: 15 to 21)
Guitar – Dave Barbour (tracks: 15 to 21), Perry Botkin (tracks: 5 to 10)
Piano – Ernie Hughes (tracks: 1 to 14), Joe Sullivan (tracks: 15 to 21)
Tenor Saxophone – Art Beck (tracks: 1 to 14), Art Moore (tracks: 1 to 14), Dave Matthews (tracks: 15 to 21)
Trombone – Fred Keller (tracks: 11 to 14), Jack Teagarden, Joe Ferrall (tracks: 1 to 14), Jose Gutierrez (tracks: 1 to 14), Seymour Goldfinger (tracks: 1 to 10)
Trumpet – Art Gold (tracks: 11 to 14), Billy May (tracks: 15 to 21), John Fallstitch (tracks: 1 to 10), Pokey Carriere (tracks: 1 to 14), Sid Feller (tracks: 1 to 4), Truman Quigley (tracks: 5 to 14)
Vocals – Bing Crosby (tracks: 5, 6), Jack Teagarden (tracks: 4, 5, 7 to 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20), Mary Martin (tracks: 5)

LOUIS ARMSTRONG – Louis Armstrong and Friends (2001) Jazz In Paris – 51 | RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title of this compilation is a bit misleading, as Louis Armstrong only appears on seven of the CD's 20 tracks. All of them were recorded during a visit by the trumpeter to France in 1934 and were made on the sly, since he was under an exclusive contract to another label. The all-stars were primarily European musicians assembled for the session, though pianist Herman Chittison, a fellow American, makes his mark in "Super Tiger Rag," along with the leader's crisp, high-note solo. They compare favorably with some of Armstrong's later work back home with larger orchestras, but for the most part, the music is of minimal interest aside from his contributions. The other selections are a mixed bag. Pianist Freddy Johnson and trumpeter Arthur Briggs lead an orchestra that offers rather dated treatments of "Sweet Georgia Brown" and Spencer Williams' "Foxy and Grapesy." Actress Marlene Dietrich sings in her native German in "Wo Ist der Mann?" (Where Is the Man?), though the lyrics are half-spoken, backed by Briggs and Johnson leading a quintet. Tracks featuring vocalist Louis Cole with Briggs and Johnson are simply forgettable. Austrian singer Greta Keller is far more interesting than Dietrich on her pair of songs, including a moving "Goodbye to Summer" and the humorous, lightly swinging "I'm Gonna Lock My Heart and Throw Away the Key." The band is a good one, with expatriates Herman Chittison on piano and trumpeter Bill Coleman soloing. Clarinetist Danny Polo leads a sextet on the last four tracks, featuring either Garland Wilson or Una Mae Carlisle on piano and the phenomenal but underrated guitarist Oscar Alemán. The unaccredited "Doing the Gorgonzola" is easily the high point of this rare session. Overall, this music falls somewhat short of being essential, though the very reasonable price (like all of the CDs in Universal's Jazz in Paris series) makes it a bit more attractive. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre: 1934
1. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - Saint Louis Blues     2:43
W.C. Handy
2. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - Super Tiger Rag     3:07
Nick LaRocca
3. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - Will You, Won't You Be My Baby?     2:48
John Nesbitt / Howdy Quicksell
4. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Part 1     2:57
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
5. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - On The Sunny Side Of The Street - Part 2     3:07
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
6. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - Saint Louis Blues     3:06
W.C. Handy
7. –Louis Armstrong Et Son Orchestre - Song Of The Vipers     2:53
Traditional
Freddy Johnson, Arthur Briggs & Their All-Star Orchestra: 1933
8. –Freddy Johnson, Arthur Briggs & Their All-Star Orchestra     Sweet Georgia Brown     3:16
Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard
9. –Freddy Johnson, Arthur Briggs & Their All-Star Orchestra     Foxy And Grapesy     3:34
Freddy Johnson / Spencer Williams
Marlene Dietrich Accompagnée Par Freddy Johnson Et Son Jazz: 1933
10. –Marlene Dietrich     Wo Ist Der Mann?     3:10
Max Kolpé / Peter Kreuder
Arthur Briggs: 1933
11. –Arthur Briggs     Nobody's Sweetheart     3:17
Ernie Erdman / Gus Kahn / Billy Meyers / Elmer Schoebel
12. –Arthur Briggs     Grabbin' Blues     3:32
Arthur Briggs / Freddy Johnson
13. –Arthur Briggs     I Got Rhythm     3:18
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
14. –Arthur Briggs     Japanese Sandman     3:38
Greta Keller: 1938
15. –Greta Keller     Goodbye To Summer     3:38
Harry Phillips
16. –Greta Keller     I'm Gonna Lock My Heart And Throw Away The Key     3:06
Jim Eaton / Terry Shand
Danny Polo And His Swing Stars: 1939
17. –Danny Polo And His Swing Stars     Doing The Gorgonzola     3:05
Danny Polo
18. –Danny Polo And His Swing Stars     Montparnasse Jump     2:46
Leonard Feather / Danny Polo
19. –Danny Polo And His Swing Stars     China Boy     2:56
Phil Boutelje / Dick Winfree
20. –Danny Polo And His Swing Stars     Polo-naise     2:56
Danny Polo
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Alcide Castellanos (faixas: 8, 9), Henri Tyree (faixas: 1 to 7)
Arranged By – Freddy Johnson (faixas: 8, 9)
Clarinet – Danny Polo (faixas: 17 to 20), Joe Hayman (faixas: 15, 16)
Clarinet, Saxophone [Alto] – Peter Du Congé (faixas: 1 to 10)
Double Bass – German Arago (faixas: 1 to 7), Juan Fernandez (faixas: 8 to 10), Louis Vola (faixas: 17 to 20), Wilson Myers (faixas: 15, 16)
Drums – Billy Taylor (faixas: 8 to 10), Jerry Mengo (faixas: 17 to 20), Oliver Times (faixas: 1 to 7)
Guitar – John Mitchell (faixas: 15, 16), Maceo Jefferson (faixas: 1 to 7), Oscar Aleman (faixas: 17 to 20), Sterling Conaway (faixas: 8, 9)
Piano – Freddy Johnson (faixas: 8 to 14), Garland Wilson (faixas: 17 to 20), Herman Chittison (faixas: 1 to 7, 15, 16), Una Mae Carlisle (faixas: 17 to 20)
Tenor Saxophone – Alfred Pratt (faixas: 1 to 7), Alix Combelle (faixas: 17 to 20), Frank "Big Boy" Goudie (faixas: 8, 9)
Trombone – Billy Burns (faixas: 8, 9), Lionel Guimaraes (faixas: 1 to 7)
Trumpet – Arthur Briggs (faixas: 8 to 14), Bill Coleman (faixas: 15, 16), Bobby Jones (faixas: 8, 9), Jack Hamilton (faixas: 1 to 7), Leslie Thompson (faixas: 1 to 7), Philippe Brun (faixas: 17 to 20), Theodore Brock (faixas: 8, 9)
Trumpet, Vocals – Louis Armstrong (faixas: 1 to 7)
Vocals – Greta Keller (faixas: 15, 16), Louis Cole (faixas: 8, 9, 11, 13)
Nota :
Recorded in Paris in October 1934 (1-7), on July 8, 1933 (8-9), on July 19, 1933 (10), in June 1933 (11-14), on September 27, 1938 (15-16) and on January 30, 1939 (17-20)
Reissue of the 78rpm discs: Brunswick 9683 (1), 500 490 (2, 6), 500 491 (4, 5), 500 492 (3, 7), 500 278 (8, 9), 500 262 (11, 13), 500 263 (12, 14), 81 859 (15, 16), Polydor 530 002 (10) & Decca 6989 (17, 18), 7126 (19, 20)