FATS WALLER – 1935-1936 | The Classics Chronological Series – 776 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time of this ninth volume of French label Classics' chronological series, Fats Waller was among the most popular recording artists in the U.S., and the 24 selections here, drawn from sessions recorded in November and December 1935 and February and April 1936, reflect both that popularity and the kind of material necessary to maintain it. Nearly all the performances feature Waller's vocals, and there are a lot of pop songs, most of which are not of the highest quality. The better compositions include Jimmy McHugh and Ted Koehler's "Spreadin' Rhythm Around," and the Gershwins' "I Got Rhythm," and Leon Berry and Andy Razaf's "Christopher Columbus." Of course, Waller personalizes the songs no matter how good they are on paper, and he scored a series of hits from these sessions, including the chart-toppers "A Little Bit Independent" and "All My Life." Waller is accompanied throughout by the quintet His Rhythm, and soloing sidemen trumpeter Herman Autrey and clarinetist/saxophonist Sedric get plenty of playing time. The tracks, doubtlessly mastered from records, are often scratchy-sounding, but overall sound quality is good. William Ruhlmann  
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