DIZZY GILLESPIE – To Diz, With Love (Live At The Blue Note) (1992) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dizzy Gillespie's final recording, taken from a month he spent featured at the Blue Note in New York, matches the aging giant with such fellow trumpeters as Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Wallace Roney, Red Rodney, Charlie Sepulveda and the ancient -- but still brilliant -- Doc Cheatham (who cuts both Diz and Faddis on "Mood Indigo"). Although Gillespie was no longer up to the competition, the love that these fellow trumpeters had for him (and some fine solos) makes this historic CD worth getting. Scott Yanow              Tracklist + Credits :

McKINNEY'S COTTON PICKERS – 1930-1931 + DON REDMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 649 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Classics label's superb series of McKinney's Cotton Pickers releases continues with this set, which features recordings from the original group as well as performances from Don Redman's swing orchestra of the late 1930s. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist + Credits :

TEDDY WILSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 571 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD has quite a bit of variety. Teddy Wilson is featured on four of his better piano solos, backs Billie Holiday on one session (which resulted in superior versions of "More Than You Know" and "Sugar," and has some fine solo space for altoist Benny Carter and trumpeter Roy Eldridge) and is heard on 13 selections with his new (and unfortunately short-lived) big band. The Teddy Wilson Orchestra was impeccable, tasteful and swinging (just like its leader) but, despite the presence of such soloists as trumpeter Harold "Shorty" Baker and tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, it never really stood a chance in the competitive swing world of 1939; the orchestra would only record eight additional titles. However the music on this CD is quite enjoyable and not as common as most of the recordings reissued by the Classics label. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

TEDDY WILSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 620 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This segment of the Teddy Wilson chronology contains 23 recordings made for the Columbia label in New York and Chicago between December 11, 1939 and September 16, 1941. The first eight tracks showcase Wilson's 12-piece big band, using arrangements by Wilson, Edgar Sampson and Buster Harding. This unusually upsized version of the Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra had Doc Cheatham and Harold "Shorty" Baker in the trumpet section, Ben Webster and Rudy Powell among the reeds, and Al Casey and J.C. Heard playing rhythm. Those who are accustomed to Wilson's customary small group sound will find this material pleasantly, perhaps surprisingly different from the norm. In December of 1940 Wilson led an octet with Bill Coleman, Benny Morton and Jimmy Hamilton in the front line. Four piano solos and four trio sides with Al Hall and J.C. Heard were cut in Chicago during April of 1941. Teddy Wilson's sextet (Emmett Berry, Morton, Hamilton, bassist Johnny Williams and Heard) made three recordings on September 16, 1941; only "Out of Nowhere" was originally issued, although "Prisoner of Love" was drafted into service as a V-Disc during the Second World War. This excellent compilation includes vocals by Lena Horne, Jean Eldridge, Helen Ward and J.C. Heard, whose expert drumming and call-and-response interaction with the band place "Wham (Re Bop Boom Bam)" among the hottest and hippest selections in the entire Teddy Wilson discography. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

BILLY TAYLOR – 1945-1949 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1137 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Many jazz fans don't realize how long ago Billy Taylor began his career; this French anthology assembles five separate sessions that he led as a young man between 1945 and 1949, as well as one date as a sideman. In 1945 he shows the influence of both Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson in the lightly swinging take of "Night and Day," while his campy approach to "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is rather refreshing. His lyrical solo interpretation of "The Very Thought of You" from 1946 demonstrates his considerable growth as a pianist. Taylor also wrote seven of the songs, which include two versions of his easygoing "Stridin' Down the Champs-Elysees," the flashy blues "Well Taylor-Ed," and two rare vocals by Taylor on the Nat King Cole-like "I Don't Ask Questions, I Just Have Fun" and "So You Think You're Cute." The four tracks featuring Taylor as a sideman in the Walter Thomas Orchestra find him pretty much relegated to a supporting role, although the presence of Doc Cheatham, Eddie Barefield, and Hilton Jefferson makes the music of interest. But Taylor's quintet session with the infrequently recorded tenor saxophonist John Hardee (who is in great form) is hampered somewhat by the unnecessary addition of organist Milt Page, who proves to be more of a distraction with his uninspired playing. Because so much of the valuable material within this collection has been next to impossible to find, it will be of significant interest to fans of Billy Taylor. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist + Credits :

EDDIE HEYWOOD – 1944 | The Classics Chronological Series – 947 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Tracklist :

UNA MAE CARLISLE – 1944-1950 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1265 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Una Mae Carlisle, who gained a bit of recognition in the 1930s for being a protégée of Fats Waller, was a talented pianist and a personable vocalist. Unfortunately, ill health resulted in her having to take several periods off of the music scene, retiring prematurely in 1954, and passing away in 1956 at the age of 50. All of her recordings as a leader are now available on three Classics CDs, of which this is the final one. These 25 selections were all formerly quite rare. Carlisle is featured with a Fats Waller-type combo on a four-song session, backed by one group that includes both organ and accordion, purely as a singer in units organized by Bob Chester and Don Redman, and on six three-song medleys from 1950 that put more of an emphasis on her piano playing. Despite the diversity, this program holds one's interest throughout and has its share of high points, displaying the musical talents of the nearly forgotten Una Mae Carlisle. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Una Mae Carlisle–    The Rest Of My Life    2:44
2    Una Mae Carlisle–    That Glory Day    2:42
3    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    That's My Man    2:56
4    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    If It Ain't Mine    2:38
5    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby    2:33
6    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    Throw It Out Your Mind    2:40
7    Una Mae Carlisle–    Stop Goin' Through The Motions    2:52
8    Una Mae Carlisle With Alan Holmes And His New Tones–    Tonight Be Tender To Me    2:40
9    Una Mae Carlisle With Alan Holmes And His New Tones–    Ohi-Ohio Boogie    2:55
10    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Frenzy    3:09
11    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    I Bought Myself A Book    2:26
12    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    The Best Idea You Had    2:14
13    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Mad About Love    2:06
14    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    We've All Got A Lesson To Learn    2:37
15    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Three Little Bugs    2:35
16    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Tired Hands    2:46
17    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Strange    3:00
18    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Long    2:51
19    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Gone    3:08
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (3:13)
20.1    –    There's Something About The Boogie    
20.2    –    A One Minute Journey To Boogieland    
20.3    –    Una's Boogie    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:44)
21.1    –    A Rhythm Mood    
21.2    –    Escape To Nowhere    
21.3    –    Jumpin' With The Stars    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:31)
22.1    –    Trouble Waters    
22.2    –    War    
22.3    –    Democracy Triumphant    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:28)
23.1    –    The Great Mesmer    
23.2    –    Hypnotized    
23.3    –    Piano Magic    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:37)
24.1    –    Forgive Me For Getting Forgetful    
24.2    –    Good Better Best    
24.3    –    Baby Please Be Good To Me    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (3:05)
25.1    –    Do    
25.2    –    Doodle Doo    
25.3    –    Perfectly
Credits :    
Accordion – Dominic Cortese (tracks: 8, 9)
Alto Saxophone – George Dorsey (tracks: 16 to 19)
Band – Unknown Artist (tracks: 7)
Baritone Saxophone – Leo Balandyl (tracks: 14, 15)
Bass – Billy Taylor Sr. (tracks: 16 to 19), Cedric Hardwick (tracks: 1, 2), Cedric Wallace (tracks: 3 to 6), Johnny Chance (tracks: 10 to 15), Michael Storme (tracks: 8, 9)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Saul Pace (tracks: 10 to 15)
Drums – Harold Marquess (tracks: 8, 9), Jo Jones (tracks: 16 to 19), Nat Ray (tracks: 10 to 15), Wilmore "Slick" Jones (tracks: 3 to 6), Wallace Bishop (tracks: 1, 2)
Guitar – Jimmy Shirley (tracks: 3 to 6)
Organ – Peter Sacripanti (tracks: 8, 9)
Piano – Gene DiNovi (tracks: 10 to 15), Herbert Sweet (2) (tracks: 8, 9), Linton Garner (tracks: 16 to 19), Una Mae Carlisle (tracks: 1 to 9, 20 to 25)
Rhythm Section – Unknown Artist (tracks: 20 to 25)
Tenor Saxophone – Gene Sedric (tracks: 3 to 6), George Nicholas (3) (tracks: 16 to 19), Walter "Foots" Thomas (tracks: 1, 2)
Trombone – Herbert Wingfield (tracks: 10 to 15), Trummy Young (tracks: 1, 2)
Trumpet – Alec Fila (tracks: 14, 15), Dick Vance (tracks: 16 to 19), Doc Cheatham (tracks: 1, 2), Johnny Letman (tracks: 3 to 6), Riley Norris (tracks: 10 to 13)
Vocals – Una Mae Carlisle

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1932 | The Classics Chronological Series – 537 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The third of 12 Cab Calloway CDs put out by Classics (which on a whole reissues the master takes of all of the popular singer's recordings from 1930-42) covers a busy six-month period. His big band (which tended to be greatly overshadowed) was actually quite excellent with good soloists in trumpeter Lammar Wright, clarinetist Eddie Barefield, Walter Thomas on tenor and pianist Bennie Payne, but of course Calloway was the main star. Highlights of this very enjoyable set include "Old Yazoo," "Reefer Man," "Old Man of the Mountain," "You Gotta Ho-De-Ho," "I've Got the World on a String," the bizarre "Dixie Doorway," "Beale Street Mama" and "The Man from Harlem." Many of the titles on this rewarding release had never been reissued before, making the Classics series a collection worth picking up in a hurry before they disappear. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     How Come You Do Me Like You Do? 2:52
Gene Austin / Roy Bergere
2     Old Yazoo 2:57
Fats Waller
3     Angeline 2:49
D. Browne / Fats Waller
4     I'm Now Prepared to Tell the World It's You 2:51
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
5     Swanee Lullaby 2:38
Ted Koehler / Morris White
6     Reefer Man 2:56
Andy Razaf / J. Russel Robinson    
7     Old Man of the Mountain 2:51
William J. Hill / Victor Young
8     You Gotta Ho-De-Ho (To Get Along With Me) 3:07
D. Browne / John Robinson
9     Strange as It Seems 3:16
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
10     This Time, It's Love 2:27
Edgar Hayes / Ted Koehler
11     Git Along 2:40
Lovie Austin
12     Hot Toddy 2:37
Benny Carter
13     I've Got the World on a String 3:08
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
14     Harlem Holiday 2:48
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
15     Dixie Doorway 2:58
Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
16     Wah-Dee-Dah 3:00
Irving Mills / John Robinson / Ned Washington
17     Sweet Rhythm 2:49
Sidney Bechet / Leroy Maxey
18     Beale Street Mama 3:06
J. Russel Robinson / John Robinson / Roy Turk
19     That's What I Hate About Love 3:10
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
20     The Man from Harlem 3:04
Will Hudson
21     I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues 3:12
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
22     My Sunday Gal 2:55
Duke Ellington / Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
23     Eadie Was a Lady 2:49
Nacio Herb Brown / Buddy DeSylva / Richard A. Whiting
24     Gotta Go Places and Do Things 2:42
Jeanne Burns 

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1932-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 544 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Depression may have been at its height during the two years covered by this Classics CD (the fourth in their series of 12 complete Cab Calloway sets), but there was nothing depressed about Calloway's often-jubilant vocals, the playing of his vastly underrated orchestra or the infectious (and sometimes) crazy lyrics. Trumpeter Lammar Wright, clarinetist Eddie Barefield and Walter Thomas on tenor contribute some fine solos but the focus is very much on the leader's vocals and he is in peak form on such songs as "The Lady with the Fan," "Harlem Camp Meeting," "Kickin' the Gong Around," "'Long About Midnight" and "Margie" (even if "Chinese Rhythm" is rather absurd). This easily recommended set also has a remake of "Minnie the Moocher" and an all-star recording of "Doin' the New Lowdown" with The Mills Brothers and Don Redman's Orchestra. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Hot Water 2:54
Arranged By – Will Hudson
Written-By – Hudson
2    Don Redman And His Orchestra–    Doin' The New Low-Down 3:06
Alto Saxophone – Don Redman, Edward Inge, Rupert Cole
Arranged By – Don Redman, Horace Henderson
Banjo, Guitar – Talcott Reeves
Brass Bass, Double Bass – Bob Ysaguirre
Clarinet – Edward Inge, Rupert Cole
Drums, Vibraphone – Manzie Johnson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Robert Carroll
Trombone – Benny Morton, Claude Jones, Fred Robinson
Trumpet – Langston Curl, Shirley Clay, Sidney De Paris
Vocals – Cab Calloway, Don Redman, The Mills Brothers
Written-By – Fields-McHugh
3    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Evenin' 2:44
Written-By – White, Parrish
4    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Harlem Hospitality
Written-By – Arlen, Van Heusen
5    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    The Lady With The Fan 3:14
Written-By – Brackman, Calloway, Burns
6    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Harlem Camp Meeting 3:06
Written-By – White
7    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Zaz Zuh Zaz 3:24
Chorus – Cab Calloway
Written-By – Calloway, White
8    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Father's Got His Glasses On 3:07
Arranged By – Will Hudson
Written-By – Swayzee
9    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Minnie The Moocher 3:33
Written-By – Calloway, Mills
Written-By [Uncredited] – Clarence Gaskill
10    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    The Scat Song 2:45
Written-By – Calloway
Written-By [Uncredited] – Frank Perkins, Mitchell Parish
11    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Kickin' The Gong Around 3:21
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
12    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    There's A Cabin In The Cotton 3:28
Written-By – Perkins, Parrish
13    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    I Learned About Love From Her 3:02
Written-By – Calloway
14    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Little Town Gal 3:10
Written-By – Burns
15    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    'Long About Midnight 3:02
Written-By – Hill, Mills
16    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Moon Glow 3:04
Written-By – Hudson
17    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Jitter Bug 3:09
Written-By – Calloway, Swayzee
18    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Hotcha Razz-Ma-Tazz 3:12
Written-By – Razaf, Mills, Hudson
19    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Margie 3:07
Written-By – Davis, Conrad, Robinson
20    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Emaline 2:50
Written-By – Perkins, Parrish
21    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Chinese Rhythm 2:49
Written-By – Calloway, White
22    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Moonlight Rhapsody 3:24
Written-By – Hudson
23    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Avalon 3:28
Written-By – Jolson, Rose
Written-By [Uncredited] – Buddy G. De Sylva
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Andrew Brown (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Arville Harris (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Banjo – Morris White (tracks: 1, 3 to 14)
Baritone Saxophone – Andrew Brown (5) (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Bass Clarinet – Andrew Brown (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Celesta, Piano – Bennie Payne (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Clarinet – Arville Harris (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Walter Thomas (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Directed By – Cab Calloway
Double Bass – Al Morgan (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Drums – Leroy Maxey (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Walter Thomas (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Guitar – Morris White (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Trombone – De Priest Wheeler* (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Harry White (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Trumpet – Doc Cheatham (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Edwin Swayzee (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Lammar Wright (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Vocals – Cab Calloway (tracks: 3 to 15, 17 to 23)

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1934-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 554 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Cab Calloway, who first became popular in 1930, retained his popularity (despite a lot of competition) throughout the swing era. On this excellent CD (the fifth of 12 in the European label Classics' Complete Calloway series), highlights include "Keep That Hi-De-Hi in Your Soul," "Nagasaki," "Copper Colored Gal," "Frisco Flo" and a crazy "That Man Is Here Again." With fine soloists in trumpeters Lammar Wright and Shad Collins, trombonist Claude Jones and (by 1936) the great tenor Ben Webster (along with a top-notch rhythm section that includes bassist Milt Hinton), this was a much better swing orchestra than it is generally rated in jazz history books. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Weakness 3:09
Edwin Swayzee
2     Good Sauce from the Gravy Bowl 3:06
Cab Calloway / Irving Mills / Edwin Swayzee    
3     Keep That Hi-De-Hi in Your Soul 2:56
Cab Calloway / Irving Mills / Morris White    
4     Miss Otis Regrets 3:01
Cole Porter    
5     I Ain't Got Nobody (And Nobody Cares for Me) 3:01
Roger Graham / Dave Peyton / Spencer Williams
6     Nagasaki 2:54
Mort Dixon / Harry Warren
7     Baby Won't You Please Come Home 3:14
Charles Warfield / Clarence Williams
8     I Love to Sing-A 3:06
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg    
9     You're the Cure for What Ails Me 3:02
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
10     Save Me, Sister
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 3:02
11     Love Is the Reason 3:13
Otis Rene / Leon René
12     When You're Smiling 3:17
Mark Fisher / Joe Goodwin / Larry Shay
13     Jess's Natu'lly Lazy 3:09
Stone / Scharpe / Bishop
14     Are You in Love With Me Again? 3:08
Unknown
15     Copper Colored Gal 2:44
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis    
16     Frisco Flo 3:25
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis    
17     The Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Swing 3:17
J. Fred Coots / Benny Davis
18     The Hi-De-Ho Miracle Man 3:14
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis
19     Don't Know If I'm Comin' or Goin' 2:42
Lupin Fein / Lee Wainer    
20     My Gal Mezzanine 2:40
Ben Ellison / Otis Rene / Leon René    
21     That Man Is Here Again 3:35    
22     Peckin' 2:55
Harry James / Ben Pollack
23     Congo 2:33
Morris White

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1938 | The Classics Chronological Series – 568 (1991) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The swing era may have been at its height during the time covered by this CD (the sixth of 12 put out by the Classics label that reissue all of Cab Calloway's 1930-42 recordings) but the colorful vocalist held onto his audience and remained a household name. With such soloists as Ben Webster or Chu Berry on tenor, trumpeters Shad Collins and Lammar Wright and a rhythm section including guitarist Danny Barker and bassist Milt Hinton, Calloway had a particularly strong (if generally overlooked) orchestra. Among the more memorable selections of the 24 included on this CD are "Swing, Swing, Swing," "She's Tall, She's Tan, She's Terrific," "Bugle Blues" and "Hi-De-Ho Romeo." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Swing, Swing, Swing 2:43
Morris White
2     Wake up and Live 2:30
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
3     Manhattan Jam 2:39
Cab Calloway    
4     Moon at Sea 3:00
Harry Pease / Vincent Rose / Larry Stock
5     I'm Always in the Mood for You 2:58
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis
6     She's Tall, She's Tan, She's Terrific 2:35
J. Fred Coots / Benny Davis
7     Go South, Young Man 2:13
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis
8     Mama, I Wanna Make Rhythm 3:05
Richard Byron / Jerome Jerome / Walter Kent
9     Hi De Ho Romeo 2:50
J. Fred Coots / Joe Davis
10     Queen Isabella 2:46
Joe Davis / Paul Denniker
11     Savage Rhythm 2:35
J. Fred Coots / Benny Davis
12     Every Day's a Holiday 2:29
Sam Coslow / Barry Trivers
13     Jubilee 2:33
Stanley Adams / Hoagy Carmichael
14     In an Old English Village 3:12
Edward Pola / Albert Sendrey    
15     (Just an) Error in the News 2:51
Will Hudson / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo
16     A Minor Breakdown (Rustle of Swing) 2:28
Unknown
17     Bugle Blues  2:28
Irving Mills / Jack Pettis / Elmer Schoebel
18     One Big Union for Two 2:56
Harold Rome
19     Doing the Reactionary 2:42
Harold Rome
20     Rustle of Swing 3:00
Cab Calloway / Ralph Yaw
21     Three Swings and Out 2:16
Cab Calloway / Ralph Yaw
22     I Like Music (Played With a Swing Like This) 2:37
Cab Calloway / Ralph Yaw
23     Foolin' With You 2:34
Morris White
24     Azure 2:48
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
Credits :    
Directed By – Cab Calloway
Orchestra – Cab Calloway And His Orchestra
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (tracks: 1 to 3, 7 to 24), Chu Berry (tracks: 4 to 6)
Vocals – Cab Calloway (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 9, 12 to 15, 18, 19, 22 to 24)

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 576 (1991) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The seventh of the Classics label's 12 Cab Calloway CDs traces his progress during an 11-month period through 24 recordings. The band's main soloists at the time included trumpeters Shad Collins and Irving Randolph, trombonists Claude Jones and Keg Johnson and especially tenor great Chu Berry (the band gets four instrumentals on this set). Singer June Richmond has a couple of vocals but obviously Cab Calloway is the main reason that the orchestra was working so steadily. With such songs as "Shout Shout, Shout," "Do You Wanna Jump Children" and "F.D.R. Jones" among the more memorable tracks, this CD (along with the others in the valuable series) is well worth picking up. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Skrontch    2:50
Ellington / Mills
2    We're Breakin' Up A Lovely Affair    2:57
unknown
3    Peck-A-Doodle-Do    2:51
Calloway / Jones / Mosby / Mills
4    At The Clambake Carnival    2:28
Chu Berry
5    Hoy-Hoy    2:49
Conrad
6    Miss Hallelujah Brown    2:21
Davis / Coots
7    The Congo-Conga    3:00
Davis / Coots
8    The Boogie-Woogie    2:37
Davis / Coots
9    There's A Sunny Side To Everything    2:25
Davis / Coots
10    Shout, Shout, Shout    2:36
Blake
11    Mister Paganini - Swing For Minnie    2:50
Lambert / Richards
12    Jive (Page One Of Hepster's Dictionary)    2:57
Calloway / Payne / Berry
13    Do you Wanna Jump, Children    2:23
Donahue / Heusen / Bryan / Selsman
14    I'm Madly In Love With You    2:58
Davis / Coots
15    April In My Heart    2:36
Melnardi / Carmichael
16    Blue Interlude    2:35
Carter / Kurtz / Mills
17    F.D.R. Jones    2:20
Rome
18    Deep In A Dream    2:58
DeLange / Heusen
19    Tee-Um Tee-Um Tee-I, Tahiti    2:09
Johnson / Shuster / Powell
20    Angels With Dirty Faces    2:56
Spitalny / Fisher
21    Long Long Ago    2:22
Unknown
22    Afraid Of Love    2:30
Fenderson / Miller / Spitalny
23    Ratamacue    2:25
Cole / Thomas / Battle
24    Ad-De-Dey    2:42
Hupfeld

PUTNEY DANDRIDGE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 869 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist
1     It's a Sin to Tell a Lie 2:52
Billy Mayhew
2     All My Life 3:11
Sidney Mitchell / Sam H. Stept
3     Ol' Man River 2:48
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
4     Why Was I Born? 2:50
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
5     These Foolish Things 2:25
Harry Link / Holt Marvell / Jack Strachey
6     Cross Patch 2:40
Vee Lawnhurst / Tot Seymour
7     A Star Fell Out of Heaven 2:36
Mack Gordon / Harry Revel
8     Mary Had a Little Lamb 2:45
Matty Malneck / Marty Symes
9     Here Comes Your Pappy 2:36
Harry Tobias
10     If We Never Meet Again 2:40
Louis Armstrong / Horace Gerlach
11     Sing Baby Sing 2:24
Channing Pollack / Jack Yellen
12     You Turned the Tables on Me 2:38
Louis Alter / Sidney Mitchell
13     It's the Gypsy in Me 2:39
Harry Tobias
14     When a Lady Meets a Gentleman Down South 2:38
Michael Cleary / Jacques Krakeur III / David Oppenheim
15     A High Hat, a Piccolo and a Cane 2:28
Harry Akst / Lew Brown / Sammy Fain
16     Easy to Love 2:41
Cole Porter
17     You Do the Darn'dest Things, Baby 2:41
Sidney Mitchell / Channing Pollack
18     The Skeleton in the Closet 2:33
Johnny Burke / Arthur Johnston
19     I'm in a Dancing Mood 2:46
Al Goodhart / Al Hoffman / Maurice Sigler
20     With Plenty of Money and You 2:29
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
21     That Foolish Feeling 2:28
Harold Adamson / Jimmy McHugh
2     Gee! But You're Swell 2:32
Harry Tobias

BENNY CARTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1952-1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1400 (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Volume ten in the complete chronological recordings of Benny Carter, as compiled and presented on compact disc in 2006 by the Classics label, contains most of the originally issued master takes from his Verve and Victor sessions which transpired in New York and Los Angeles during the period between July 26, 1952 and January 4, 1954. What didn't make it onto this disc was a chunk of the Carter discography dating from August and October 1952, including the material released as the Alone Together album by "Benny Carter with the Oscar Peterson Trio and Buddy Rich" and a couple of tunes by Benny Carter's Orchestra with vocals by Savannah Churchill. Tracks one-three are performed by a solid little octet, while tracks four and six exhibit all the traits of polished early-'50s studio production, laying it on thickly using a large studio orchestra glazed with strings, a harp, and neatly harmonized group vocals. Even so, Carter sounds marvelous out in front with his creamy alto sax. Tracks five, seven, and eight are even better examples of Benny Carter's early-'50s sound. Tracks nine-twelve, played by Carter and a quartet led by pianist Oscar Peterson, were issued on a 10" long-playing Verve record with the word "Cosmopolite" on the cover. The remaining selections on this disc feature the Benny Carter Quartet augmented by a string and wind ensemble arranged and conducted by Joe Glover. At no point during this portion of his career did Carter sound like he was selling out or succumbing to convention. True, the addition of strings, beefed up orchestral charts, and especially the oozy vocals on "I Wanna Go Home" signal a momentary concession to perceived notions of popular taste, but in the larger scheme of things, and especially when placed into context as a relatively brief chapter in the remarkably long life and career of Benny Carter, this is pleasant enough stuff and it's precisely what Carter thought he needed to do during the early 1950s. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :
1    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Lullaby In Blue 2'45
2    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Rockin' Along (Rock Alone) 2'44
3    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Cruisin' 2'44
4    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    I Wanna Go Home 2'49
5    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Georgia On My Mind 2'54
6    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    You Belong To Me 2'25
7    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Love Is Cynthia 2'30
8    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Sunny Afternoon 2'57
9    Benny Carter Quintet–    Street Scene 3'22
10    Benny Carter Quintet–    Imagination 3'34
11    Benny Carter Quintet–    Pick Yourself Up 2'35
12    Benny Carter Quintet–    I Get A Kick Out Of You 2'54
13    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    I'll Be Around 2'37
14    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Beautiful Love 2'53
15    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Blue Star 3'12
16    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Flamingo 2'53
17    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    With A Song In My Heart 2'35
18    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Can't We Be Friends? 2'42
19    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Symphony 2'19
20    Benny Carter And His Orchestra–    Sorry 3'05
All Credits

BILLIE HOLIDAY – 1944 (1995) The Classics Chronological Series – 806 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Billie's Blues 4:14

Billie Holiday feat: Leonard Feather All Stars

2 Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me 2:50

Duke Ellington / Bob Russell

3 I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You) 1:48

Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk

4 How Am I to Know? 2:40

Jack King / Dorothy Parker

5 My Old Flame 2:57

Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston

6 I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You) 2:54

Fred E. Ahlert / Roy Turk

7 I Cover the Waterfront 3:25

Johnny Green / Edward Heyman

8 I'll Be Seeing You 3:28

Sammy Fain / Irving Kahal

9 I'm Yours 3:13

Johnny Green / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg 

10 Embraceable You 3:13

George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin

11 As Time Goes By 3:07

Herman Hupfeld

12 He's Funny That Way 3:00

Neil Moret (Chas. N. Daniels) / Richard A. Whiting

13 He's Funny That Way 3:12

Neil Moret (Chas. N. Daniels) / Richard A. Whiting

14 Lover, Come Back to Me 3:13

Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg

15 Lover, Come Back to Me 3:16

Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg

16 Billie's Blues 3:04

Billie Holiday feat: Eddie Heywood's Sextet / Eddie Heywood's Trio

17 On the Sunny Side of the Street 3:00

Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh

18 Lover Man 3:15

Jimmy Davis / Roger "Ram" Ramirez / Jimmy Sherman

19 No More 2:45

Tutti Camarata / Bob Russell

20 That Ole Devil Called Love 2:51

Doris Fisher / Allan Roberts

21 Don't Explain 2:53 

Billie Holiday / Arthur Herzog, Jr.

22 Big Stuff  2:26

Leonard Bernstein