MARY LOU WILLIAMS – 1953-1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1417 (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In part because it didn't have any of her biggest hits, the 1964 album Queen of Soul is a relatively overlooked one in Etta James' discography, even for an artist whose LPs weren't all that well known. The ten songs are dependable early soul music, though the material isn't quite on the level of her best mid-'60s work. "I Wish Someone Would Care" is about the best tune, but James was beaten to the punch on that score by Irma Thomas, who not only recorded the original and superior version, but also wrote the song. The one track to bear a James writing credit ("Bobby Is His Name," co-penned with Ed Townsend) is a pretty lightweight, almost teen pop-influenced number; "That Man Belongs Back Here with Me," co-composed by noted tunesmith Clint Ballard, is fair but not great pop-soul with a jazzy touch; "Flight 101" has a tinge of melodrama, though James' typically strong vocal saves it. "Loving You More Every Day" has a satisfying blues-gospel feel, but much of this has dated orchestration, even the closing "Mellow Fellow," which has one of her trademark, throaty, drawn-out testifying openings. Perhaps some of the album's overall unevenness can be attributed to it having been taken from sessions done over a period of two years. Richie Unterberger  
Tracklist :
1    Mary Lou Williams Quartet–Sometimes I'm Happy    2:28
2    Mary Lou Williams Quartet–Monk's Tune    2:28
3    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Why    4:19
4    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Lullaby Of The Leaves    4:11
5    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Just You, Just Me    2:35
6    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Chicka Boom Blues    3:15
7    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Mary's Waltz    2:58
8    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–O.W.    5:08
9    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–Moonglow    3:54
10    Don Carlos Meets Mary Lou–N.M.E. (New Musical Express)    3:26
11    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Tire, Tire L'Aguille    2:35
12    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Lover    3:03
13    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–En Ce Temps Là    3:20
14    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Autumn In New York    2:32
15    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea    2:18
16    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Nicole    3:31
17    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–Carioca    2:40
18    Mary Lou Williams And Her Rhythm–There's A Small Hotel    3:12
19    Mary Lou Williams Et Ses Formations–Leg 'N' Lou    2:58
20    Mary Lou Williams Et Ses Formations–Gravel (Scratchin' In The Gravel)    3:35
21    Mary Lou Williams Et Ses Formations–Nancy Is In Love With The Colonel    3:12
22    Mary Lou Williams Et Ses Formations–Mary Lou Blues    2:5
Credits :    
Bass – Buddy Banks (tracks: 3 to 22), Rupert Nuese (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums – Gérard Pochonet (tracks: 3 to 10), Jean-Louis Viale (tracks: 11 to 18), Kansas Fields (tracks: 19 to 22), Tony Kinsey (tracks: 1, 2)
Guitar – Ray Dempsey (tracks: 1, 2)
Piano – Mary Lou Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Don Byas (tracks: 3 to 10), Ray Lawrence (tracks: 19 to 22)
Trumpet – Nelson Williams (tracks: 19 to 22)