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

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

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 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 – 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)