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 – 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 – 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

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1933-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 871 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 11th CD in Classics series of recordings led by pianist-composer-singer Clarence Williams is actually one of the weaker ones due to Chick Bullock taking vocals on seven of the 23 numbers; the two contributions apiece by Dick Robertson and Little Buddy Farrior are not much better even if Williams' own verbal spots on six songs are reasonably enjoyable. With only three instrumentals, the results are less memorable than usual although there are some strong moments contributed by cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Cecil Scott, pianist James P. Johnson (who is not featured enough) and guitarist Roy Smeck. Recommended mostly to completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Swaller-Tail Coat 3:04
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Bob Miller
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Looka-There, Ain't She Pretty 2:31
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Clarence Todd
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    St. Louis Blues 2:52
Written-By – W.C. Handy
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    How Can I Get It? 3:00
Vocals – Ed Allen
Written-By – Spencer Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    On The Sunny Side Of The Street 2:55
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – McHugh, Fields
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Won't You Come Over And Say "Hello" 2:29
Written-By – Barnett, Williams
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Old Street Sweeper 3:01
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Sullivan, Gray
8    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Wash My Sins Away 2:59
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Brevard
9    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jimmy Had A Nickel 2:52
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Goodhart, Hoffman, Siglar
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    He's A Colonel From Kentucky 2:38
Vocals – Dick Robertson
Written-By – Baer, Tobias, Scholl, Mencher
11    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Pretty Baby, Is It Yes Or No? 2:54
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Brevard
12    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Mister, Will You Serenade? 2:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Robinson
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I've Got Horses And Got Numbers On My Mind 2:50
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Bernard, Bibo, Wirges
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    New Orleans Hop Scop Blues 2:50
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Thomas
15    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Let's Have A Showdown 2:50
Written-By – Page, Pinkard
16    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can't Dance, I Got Ants In My Pants 2:58
Vocals – Charlie Gaines, Louis Jordan
Written-By – Gaines, Williams
17    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Christmas Night In Harlem 2:38
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Parish, Scott
18    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Ill Wind (You're Blowing Me No Good) 3:02
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    As Long As I Live 2:48
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
20    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Tell The Truth 2:47
Vocals – Little Buddy Farrior
Written-By – Scott, O'Frye
21    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Sashay, Oh Boy! 3:07
Vocals – Little Buddy Farrior
Written-By – Scott, O'Frye
22    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    I Can't Beat You Doin' What You're Doin' To Me 2:38
Written-By – Piron, Williams
23    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Trouble 3:13
Written-By – Walman, Rofkin, Blank
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Louis Jordan (tracks: 16 to 19)
Alto Saxophone [Two] – Unknown Artist (tracks: 20, 21)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair
Clarinet – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 19, 22, 23)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 20, 21)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 19, 22, 23), Unknown Artist (tracks: 20, 21)
Drums [?] – Floyd Casey (tracks: 20, 21)
Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 8)
Guitar, Banjo – Roy Smeck (tracks: 9 to 12)
Guitar, Steel Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 13 to 15)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 22, 23), James P. Johnson (tracks: 2 to 6, 9 to 19)
Piano [?] – Don Frye (tracks: 20, 21)
Steel Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 3, 5)
Tenor Saxophone [?] – Louis Jordan (tracks: 16, 17)
Trombone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 13 to 15)
Trumpet – Charlie Gaines (tracks: 16 to 19)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 12, 16 to 19, 22, 23) 

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 891 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In 1997, the Classics label released a twelfth volume in their unprecedented series devoted to the complete chronological recordings of Clarence Williams. Eighteen selections dating from a three-month segment of the year 1934 collectively feature Harlem stride pianists James P. Johnson and Willie "The Lion" Smith, cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Cecil Scott, guitarist Roy Smeck, banjoist Ikey Robinson, bassist Richard Fullbright, tuba technician Cyrus St. Clair, and drummer/washboard handler Floyd Casey. Vocals are by Williams, his wife Eva Taylor, Ed Allen, Ikey Robinson, and composer/comedian Clarence Todd. Tracks 11-18 are by the Alabama Jug Band, with Williams delivering substantial basslines using that old-time staple of down-home musical entertainment, a ceramic whiskey jug. Williams has been posthumously ridiculed for his vaudevillian sensibilities and hokum recordings, but the truth about this man is that he was one of the great publishers and producers of African-American music during the 1920s and '30s. Disparaging comments about his pianistic prowess are directly traceable to Willie "The Lion" Smith, one of the toughest critics who ever passed judgment upon his fellow musicians. Williams was a perfectly capable pianist and a rather shrewd and at times opportunistic businessman who produced Bessie Smith's earliest recording sessions and served as her accompanist, published Fats Waller's first important compositions, recorded comedic piano duets with James P. Johnson, and led a series of recording ensembles that included cornetists King Oliver and Louis Armstrong as well as powerhouse reedman Sidney Bechet. The recordings that Williams presided over between July 6 and October 3, 1934 are among his most sanguine and substantial, particularly the outrageous tale of "Jerry the Junker" and the gutsy "Jazz It Blues," which has a vocal refrain by the Ham and Cabbage Trio. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jerry The Junker 3:04
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Stout
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Organ Grinder Blues 3:07
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Clarence Williams
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I'm Gettin' My Bonus In Love 2:42
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Grainger
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Chizzlin' Sam 2:52
Vocals – Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Clarence Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Big Fat Mama 2:45
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Williams, Calaway, Roland
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Ain’t Gonna Give You None Of My Jelly Roll 2:32
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Williams
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Saw Stars 3:09
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Goodhart, Hoffman, Sigler
8    Eva Taylor And Her Boy Friends–    Crazy Blues 2:23
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Bradford
9    Eva Taylor And Her Boy Friends–    The Stuff Is Here And It’s Mellow 2:33
Written-By – Williams, Bishop, Smith
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Rhapsody In Love 2:52
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Trent
11    Alabama Jug Band–    "Ida" Sweet As Apple Cider 2:42
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Eddie Leonard
12    Alabama Jug Band–    My Gal Sal 2:48
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Paul Dresser
13    Alabama Jug Band–    Gulf Coast Blues 3:04
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Clarence Williams
14    Alabama Jug Band–    I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate 2:36
Vocals – Ikey Robinson
Written-By – Armand Piron
15    Alabama Jug Band–    Jazz It Blues 2:50
Vocals – Ham and Cabbage Trio
Written-By – Tom Delaney
16    Alabama Jug Band–    Somebody Stole My Gal 2:51
Written-By – Leo Wood
17    Alabama Jug Band–    Crazy Blues 3:14
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Perry Bradford
18    Alabama Jug Band–    Sugar Blues 2:34
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams, Fletcher
Credits :    
Banjo – Ikey Robinson (tracks: 11 to 18)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 15 to 18)
Clarinet – Cecil Scott
Cornet – Ed Allen
Double Bass [String Bass ?] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 11 to 14)
Double Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 5 to 10)
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 5 to 10)
Guitar – Roy Smeck (tracks: 7 to 10)
Guitar [?] – Roy Smeck (tracks: 5, 6)
Kazoo – Clarence Todd (tracks: 15 to 18)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 5, 6), James P. Johnson (tracks: 1 to 4), Willie "The Lion" Smith (tracks: 7 to 10)
Trombone [?] – Dicky Wells (tracks: 7 to 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 4, 11 to 14)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1934-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 918 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Classics' 13th Clarence Williams CD has his final studio recordings with the exception of five slightly later numbers. Although not quite on the same level as Williams' earlier sides, there are some spirited performances to be heard on these five sessions. Cornetist Ed Allen, Cecil Scott (on clarinet and tenor) and clarinetist Buster Bailey (on the six selections from 1937) are the key soloists; most numbers have a washboard in the ensembles, and vocals are taken by Chick Bullock (forgettable in his three appearances), Eva Taylor, William Cooley and Williams himself. Classics deserves congratulations for persevering with this important series, for Clarence Williams led some of the hottest small groups dates of the '20s and '30s; all of the discs are recommended to pre-bop collectors. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    'Tain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do 2:23
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Robbins, Grainger
2    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can't Think Of Anything But You 2:44
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Williams
3    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Sugar Blues 2:32
Vocals – Chick Bullock
Written-By – Williams, Fletcher
4    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Jungle Crawl 2:27
Written-By – Williams, Williams
5    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    I Can See You All Over The Place 2:43
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Williams
6    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Savin' Up My Baby 2:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Golden
7    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Milk Cow Blues 2:55
Written-By – Arnold
8    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Black Gal 2:43
Written-By – Washington
9    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    A Foolish Little Girl Like You 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Amshel, Little, Bibo
10    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    There's Gonna Be The Devil To Pay 2:44
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hueston, Emmerich
11    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    This Is My Sunday Off 2:48
Written-By – Brooks Jr.
12    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Yama Yama Blues 2:56
Written-By – Williams, Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Let Every Day Be Mother's Day 2:57
Written-By – Williams, Hammed, Smith
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Lady Luck Blues 2:55
Written-By – Williams, Weber
15    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Cryin' Blues 2:16
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Razaf, Webb
16    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Top Of The Town 2:47
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Adamson, McHugh
17    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Turn Off The Moon 2:52
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Coslow
18    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    More Than That 2:53
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Barnett, Williams
19    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Jammin' 2:49
Vocals – Williams Cooley
Written-By – Coslow
20    Clarence Williams And His Washboard Band–    Wanted 2:24
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Lawrence, Tinturin
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone [?] – Louis Jordan (tracks: 1 to 4)
Alto Saxophone [Second] – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4)
Banjo – Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 4)
Bass [Stringbass] – Richard Fullbright* (tracks: 1 to 4)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 11 to 20), Unknown Artist (tracks: 7 to 10)
Brass Bass [?] – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 5, 6)
Clarinet – Buster Bailey (tracks: 15 to 20), Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 14)
Cornet – Ed Allen
Drums – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 4)
Guitar [?] – Jimmy McLin (tracks: 11 to 14), Roy Smeck (tracks: 5 to 10)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 5 to 20)
Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 4, 7 to 14), Prince Robinson (tracks: 15 to 20)
Trombone [?] – Wilbur De Paris (tracks: 7 to 9)
Trumpet – Unknown Artist (tracks: 7 to 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 15 to 20)
Washboard [?] – Bruce Johnson (tracks: 7 to 10), Willie Williams (tracks: 11 to 14)

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1937-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 953 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 14th and final Clarence Williams Classics CD completes the complete reissuance of all of his recordings. By 1937, Williams' career was winding down and his music was far overshadowed by the big swing orchestras. Although the first 15 selections on this CD are listed as being by "Clarence Williams' Swing Band," all but three numbers are spirituals that showcase the forgettable singing of William Cooley. The impressive group (which includes cornetist Ed Allen, clarinetist Buster Bailey, altoist Russell Procope and Cecil Scott on tenor and clarinet) has little to do, except on the instrumentals, and the overall results are a bit disappointing. Also on the CD are three selections from 1938 by an organ-piano-drums trio (two of the songs have vocals by Babe Matthews) that do not actually include Williams. Concluding the lesser release are a pair of performances from 1941 in which Eva Taylor and Clarence Williams are heard on vocals while joined by pianist James P. Johnson (Williams plays second piano), two guitars and bassist Wellman Braud. These final numbers (pity there were not more) hint at the earlier classic recordings and served as Clarence Williams' last hurrah. Completists will want this set. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Feel De Spirit 3:29
Traditional
2    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Old Time Religion 2:48
Traditional
3    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Lord Deliver Daniel 2:07
Traditional
4    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Sweet Kisses 2:09
Written-By – Williams
5    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Go Down Moses 2:20
Traditional
6    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Do You Call Dat Religion ? 2:14
Traditional
7    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Jericho 2:53
Traditional
8    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Lazy Swing 2:54
Traditional
9    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Roll, Jordan, Roll 2:20
Traditional
10    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Heaven, Heaven 2:12
Traditional
11    Clarence Williams' Washboard Five–    There Is Love 2:30
Written-By – Clarence Williams
12    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    It's Me, O Lord 2:40
Traditional
13    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Get On Board, Li'l Chillun 2:20
Traditional
14    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Step On It 2:31
Traditional
15    Clarence Williams' Swing Band–    Swing Low, Sweet Chariot 3:06
Traditional
16    Clarence Williams' Trio–    Bluer Than Blue 2:26
Written-By – Lil Hardin-Armstrong
17    Clarence Williams' Trio–    I'm Falling For You 2:41
Written-By – Joe Hubert
18    Clarence Williams' Trio–    Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) 1:58
Written-By – Gershwin, Gershwin
19    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Uncle Sammy, Here I Am 3:09
Written-By – Williams, Miller, Johnson
20    Clarence Williams' Blue Five–    Thriller Blues 2:35
Written-By – Williams, Harper, Barlow
Credits :    
Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 9 to 15), Unknown Artist (tracks: 1 to 8), Wellman Braud (tracks: 19, 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 1 to 10, 12 to 15), Russell Procope (tracks: 1 to 10, 12 to 15)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1 to 15)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 1 to 15)
Drums – Cozy Cole (tracks: 16 to 18)
Drums [?] – Floyd Casey (tracks: 1 to 15)
Guitar – Grace Harper (tracks: 19, 20), Nathan Barlow (tracks: 19, 20)
Organ – Don Baker (tracks: 16 to 18)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1 to 15, 19, 20), Connie Berry (tracks: 16 to 18), James P. Johnson (tracks: 19, 20)
Vocals – Babe Matthews (tracks: 16, 17), William Cooley (tracks: 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9 to 13, 15), Clarence Williams (tracks: 12, 19), Eva Taylor (tracks: 19, 20)