GEORGIA WHITE — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 1 · 1930-1936 (1994) DOCD-5301 | RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

The first inkling that most people in the late 20th century had about Georgia White was an LP of reissued titles that appeared in the 1970s on the Rosetta label. Some of her party-oriented songs also resurfaced on various Stash collections, linking her in the minds of many listeners with that jolly substance abuse anthem "The Stuff Is Here." During the 1990s, Blues Collection issued a 25-track sampler and Document Records reissued every recording known to have been made by her during the 1930s and early '40s. The first of four volumes dedicated to this fine vocalist focuses mainly upon the earliest records released under her name. Her first recording was made in Chicago in May 1930 with New Orleans clarinetist Jimmie Noone and his Apex Club Orchestra. Having this tidbit at the beginning of her complete recorded works on Document constitutes a sweet treat, especially as the song she sings is a staple of Depression-era pop music at its most auto-suggestive; "When You're Smiling, the Whole World Smiles with You" is usually associated with vaudevillian Ted Lewis, Louis Armstrong when he sang in front of a big band in the early '30s, or that great interpreter of Tin Pan Alley love songs, Billie Holiday. When she began recording regularly for Decca in 1935, Georgia White distinguished herself with a refreshingly honest delivery that combined elements of blues, barrelhouse, and swing in a manner that was earthier, lustier, and less mainstream than had been possible or permissible with the confectionary "get happy" melody she sang with Noone in 1930. Throughout most of the performances reproduced here, White is heard accompanying herself on the piano and singing her own compositions with occasional covers like Victoria Spivey's "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now" and the punchy "There Ain't Gonna Be No Doggone Afterwhile," a friction-inducing number attributed to Charlie Burse of the Memphis Jug Band and soon to be covered by Decca's Fats Waller emulator Bob Howard. The last four tracks of White's first volume on Document introduce three men who would stick around and accompany her for the next couple of years: pianist and composer Richard M. Jones and bassist John Lindsay (both of New Orleans, LA) and guitarist "Banjo" Ikey Robinson of Dublin, VA. To inaugurate their first session together, White chose to revisit her own "Dupree Blues" and Lil Johnson's "Hot Nuts," to premiere her own Fats Waller-like swing tune "It Must Be Love," and to grind out "Daddy Let Me Lay It on You" to the tune of "Baby Don't You Tear My Clothes." arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    When You're Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You 2:47
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Eddie Pollack
Band – Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra
Banjo, Guitar – Wilbur Gorham
Brass Bass – Bill Newton 
Clarinet – Jimmie Noone
Drums – Johnny Wells
Piano – Zinky Cohn
Vocals – Georgia White
2.    Dupree Blues 2:59
Guitar [Poss.] – Ikey Robinson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
3.    Dallas Man (Lost Lover Blues) 3:12
Guitar [Poss.] – Ikey Robinson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
4.    Your Worries Ain't Like Mine 2:45
Guitar [Poss.] – Ikey Robinson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
5.    You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now 3:06
Guitar [Poss.] – Ikey Robinson
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
6.    Honey Dripper Blues 2:58
Guitar [Poss.] – Willie Bee (James)
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
7.    Freddie Blues 2:35
Guitar [Poss.] – Willie Bee (James)
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
8.    Easy Rider Blues 2:46
Guitar [Poss.] – Willie Bee (James)
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
9.    Graveyard Blues 2:33
Guitar [Poss.] – Willie Bee (James)
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
10.    Your Worries Ain't Like Mine - No. 2 2:47
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
11.    You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now - No. 2 2:59
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
12.    Can't Read, Can't Write 2:53
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
13.    Tell Me Baby 2:45
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
14.    There Ain't Gonna Be No Doggone Afterwhile 2:57
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
15.    Someday, Sweetheart 3:07
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
16.    River Blues 2:43
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
17.    If You Can't Get Five, Take Two (Take A) 2:55
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
18.    If You Can't Get Five, Take Two (Take B) 2:51
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
19.    Rattlesnakin' Daddy 2:28
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
20.    Get 'Em From The Peanut Man (Hot Nuts) 2:43
Double Bass – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Vocals, Piano [Prob.] – Georgia White
21.    New Dupree Blues 3:01
Double Bass – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
22.    Daddy Let Me Lay It On You 2:41
Double Bass – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
23.    New Hot Nuts 2:52
Double Bass – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
24.    It Must Be Love 2:34
Double Bass – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
 

GEORGIA WHITE — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 2 · 1936-1937 (1994) DOCD-5302 | RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Georgia White was one of Chicago's very best barrelhouse blues singers during the 1930s and early '40s. The second volume of her complete recorded works as compiled by Document in the '90s contains 23 sides recorded in 1936 and 1937 with rhythm accompaniment by pianist Richard M. Jones, guitarist Ikey Robinson, and bassist John Lindsay. Hopefully the second edition of this disc, which came out in 2005, opens with a cleaner sounding copy of "I Just Want Your Stingaree." The 78 rpm platter used for this 1996 edition is slightly marred by a rough start, with the needle sounding like it had trouble getting squarely settled in the groove. This is a pity, as "Stingaree" is one of White's charmingly smutty originals. Other delights in this category are "I'll Keep Sittin' on It" (which was successfully revived years later by Ruth Brown) and a cheerful, naughty bounce with the refrain: "Was I drunk? Was he handsome? Did my mama give me hell?" Cutting loose and partying down were staple themes in White's working repertoire. She clearly enjoyed handling material like Ma Rainey's "Moonshine Blues" and the rocking "Little Red Wagon," which was popularized by Count Basie as "Your Red Wagon." Richard M. Jones was an excellent accompanist, and several of his compositions appear on this collection. They are "Black Rider," "Walking the Street," "When My Love Comes Down," and "Trouble in Mind" which appears thrice as "Trouble in Mind," "New Trouble in Mind," and the upbeat "Trouble in Mind Swing." arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.        I Just Want Your Stingaree    2:34
2.        Black Rider    2:24
3.        I'll Keep Sittin' On It    2:54
4.        Pigmeat Blues    2:37
5.        Trouble In Mind    2:31
6.        Was I Drunk?    2:48
7.        No Second Hand Woman    2:41
8.        Sinking Sun Blues    2:33
9.        Little Red Wagon    2:37
10.        Dan The Back Door Man    2:48
11.        Your Hellish Ways    2:29
12.        Marble Stone Blues    2:32
13.        You Don't Know My Mind    2:50
14.        When My Love Comes Down    2:53
15.        Walking The Street    2:30
16.        Grandpa And Grandma    2:27
17.        I'm So Glad I'm 21 Today    2:30
18.        Toothache Blues    2:42
19.        Mistreated Blues    3:08
20.        New Trouble In Mind    2:58
21.        Trouble In Mind Swing    2:35
22.        Moonshine Blues    2:49
23.        Biscuit Roller    2:41
Credits : 
Compiled By, Producer – Johnny Parth
Double Bass – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Charlie McCoy (tracks: 6 to 8), Ikey Robinson (tracks: 1 to 5, 9 to 23)
Liner Notes – Colin J. Bray
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Remastered By – Gerhard Wessely
Vocals – Georgia White

GEORGIA WHITE — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 3 · 1937-1939 (1994) DOCD-5303 | RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Throughout the late 1930s Georgia White made a whole lot of swinging blues records for the Decca label with instrumental accompaniments by pianists Richard M. Jones and Sammy Price, guitarists Lonnie Johnson, and Teddy Bunn and bassist John Lindsay. Volume three in her complete recorded works on Document provides access to 22 titles cut between October 1937 and May 1939. White was keenly aware of the tradition within which she was operating, and chose her material wisely, reviving old favorites like W.C. Handy's "Careless Love," Porter Grainger's "'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do," and Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" and "Fare Thee Honey Fare Thee Well" which were both premiered in 1920 by Mamie Smith. What you get on this disc constitutes some of White's very best performances on record. Her backup musicians swing hard with a boogie-woogie beat whenever necessary, and she expresses herself powerfully on "Strewin' Your Mess," "Holding My Own," "The Blues Ain't Nothin' But...???," and "The Stuff Is Here," a lively tea pad tune that has been reissued on a brimming handful of party blues collections ever since its rediscovery during the '70s by the producers of the Stash record label. The relaxed and very sensual "Rock Me Daddy" has a beautiful solo by an unidentified alto saxophonist, while "Alley Boogie" (attributed to both White and her contemporary, Lucille Bogan) cooks to a jelly like there's no tomorrow. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Georgia Man 2:41
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
2.    All Night Blues 3:03
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
3.    Away All The Time 2:42
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
4.    The Stuff Is Here 2:51
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
5.    Strewin' Your Mess 2:35
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
6.    Fare Thee Honey Fare Thee Well 2:43
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar [Prob.] – Ikey Robinson
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
7.    Careless Love 3:07
Alto Saxophone [Prob.] – Edgar Saucier
Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar [Prob.] – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
8.    Rock Me Daddy 3:06
Alto Saxophone [Prob.] – Edgar Saucier
Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar [Prob.] – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
9.    Red Cap Porter 2:38
Alto Saxophone [Prob.] – Edgar Saucier
Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar [Prob.] – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
10.    Alley Boogie 2:31
Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar [Prob.] – Lonnie Johnson 
Piano – Richard M. Jones
Vocals – Georgia White
11.    I'm Blue And Lonesome 2:36
Bass [String Bass] – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
12.    Almost Afraid To Love 2:59
Bass [String Bass] – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
13.    Too Much Trouble 2:29
Bass [String Bass] – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
14.    Crazy Blues 2:38
Bass [String Bass], Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
15.    'Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do 2:41
Bass [String Bass], Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
16.    Holding My Own 2:57
Bass [String Bass], Drums – Unknown Artist
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals, Piano – Georgia White
17.    The Blues Ain't Nothin' But...??? 2:35
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Electric Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals – Georgia White
18.    Dead Man's Blues 2:43
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Electric Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals – Georgia White
19.    Love Sick Blues 2:58
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Electric Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals – Georgia White
20.    My Worried Mind Blues 2:42
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Electric Guitar – Lonnie Johnson 
Vocals – Georgia White
21.    The Way I'm Feelin' 3:11
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar – Teddy Bunn
Piano – Sammy Price
Vocals – Georgia White
22.    Married Woman Blues 3:14
Bass [String Bass] – John Lindsay
Guitar – Teddy Bunn
Piano – Sammy Price
Vocals – Georgia White 

FRANKIE "Half-Pint" JAXON — Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Volume 1 · 1926-1929 | DOCD-5258 (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

At five feet two inches in height, Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon was one of the tiniest performers in all of early to mid-20th century African-American entertainment. His often disarmingly funny vocal outbursts were delivered in tones that led and still lead many listeners to mistake him for a woman. Not surprisingly, Half Pint was an accomplished female impersonator as well as a comedian, dancer, pianist, saxophonist, songwriter, bandleader, and stage manager. Born in 1895 in Montgomery, AL, he came up in Kansas City and spent years touring the black vaudeville circuit (sometimes assisting Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith) while operating mainly out of Chicago. On this first of three volumes, which covers his entire output dating from May 1926 through July 1929, Half Pint is heard with pianists Blanche Smith Walton, Cow Cow Davenport, and Georgia Tom Dorsey; guitarist Tampa Red, cornetist Freddie Keppard, Banjo Ikey Robinson & His Bull Fiddle Band, New Orleans bassist Bill Johnson's Louisiana Jug Band, and the Cotton Top Mountain Sanctified Singers, who back him on "She's Coming Round the Mountain," otherwise known as "Charmin' Betsy" and recorded around the same time by traveling Texas folk/blues troubadour Henry Thomas. Tune for tune, this first volume is by far the best Half Pint collection ever put together on CD. It contains some of his most dazzling performances ("I'm Gonna Steal You," "Corrine," "My Four Reasons," "Get the 'L' on Down the Road") in addition to two recordings that contain some of his very best moments on record, and therefore the best examples of his artistry. "Don't Drink It in Here" is an outrageously funny depiction of a police raid on a good time flat, while "Willie the Weeper" is the perfect encapsulation of Half Pint's one-of-a-kind delivery, complete with high pitched guffaws and a punchy rhythmic pacing that other singers were rarely able to achieve or sustain. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist :
1.    Frankie Jackson–    Hannah Fell In Love With My Piano 2:57
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Frankie Jackson
2.    Frankie Jackson–    If That Don’t Get It - This Sho’ Will 2:43
Piano – De Lloyd Barnes
Vocals – Frankie Jackson
3.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Can’t You Wait Till You Get Home (12919)
Piano – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
4.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    I’m Gonna Steal You 2:33
Piano – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
5.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Willie The Weeper 2:23
Piano – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
6.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    She Got It 2:14
Piano [probably] – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
7.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    I’m Gonna Dance Wit De Guy Wot Brung Me 2:36
Piano [probably] – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
8.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Corinne 2:10
Piano – Blanche Smith Walton
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
9.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Hit Ta Ditty Low Down 2:46
Cornet [probably] – Freddie Keppard
Piano [probably] – Hound Head Henry
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
10.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Down At Jasper’s Bar-B-Que 2:45
Cornet [probably] – Freddie Keppard
Piano [probably] – Cow Cow Davenport
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
11.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    How Can I Get It? 2:56
Piano [probably] – Cow Cow Davenport
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
12.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Fan It (Take A) 2:57
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
13.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Fan It (Take B) 3:26
Guitar – Unknown Artist
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
Wood Block – Unknown Artist
14.    "Banjo Ikey" Robinson And His Bull Fiddle Band–    My Four Reasons
Acoustic Bass – Bill Johnson
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Percussion – Unknown Artist
Piano – William Barbee
Violin – R. Waugh
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
15.    "Banjo Ikey" Robinson And His Bull Fiddle Band–    Rock Me Mama
Acoustic Bass – Bill Johnson 
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Violin – R. Waugh
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
Washboard – Unknown Artist
16.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Let’s Knock A Jug
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet [possibly], Alto Saxophone [possibly] – Arnett Nelson
Clarinet [probably], Alto Saxophone [probably] – Lem Johnson
Drums [possibly] – Sid Catlett
Piano – Jimmy Flowers 
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
17.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Can’t You Wait Till You Get Home (C-2952)
Banjo – Ikey Robinson
Clarinet [possibly], Alto Saxophone [possibly] – Arnett Nelson
Clarinet [probably], Alto Saxophone [probably] – Lem Johnson
Piano – Jimmy Flowers 
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
18.    Cotton Top Mountain Sanctified Singers–    She’s Coming Round The Mountain 2:59
Brass Bass – Unknown Artist
Cornet – Punch Miller
Piano – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
Vocals [Vcl Group] – Unknown Artist
19.    Bill Johnson's Louisiana Jug Band–    Get The "L" On Down The Road 2:55
Acoustic Bass, Speech – Bill Johnson 
Kazoo, Jug, Vocals – Unknown Artist
Percussion – Unknown Artist
Piano – Georgia Tom Dorsey
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
20.    Bill Johnson's Louisiana Jug Band–    Don’t Drink It In Here 2:50
Acoustic Bass, Speech – Bill Johnson
Piano, Speech – Georgia Tom Dorsey
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
21.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    It’s Heated 3:32
Guitar – Tampa Red
Piano – Georgia Tom Dorsey
Scraper – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
22.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Jive Man Blues
Guitar – Tampa Red
Piano – Georgia Tom Dorsey
Scraper – Unknown Artist
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
23.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Corinne Blues 2:57
Clarinet [possibly] – Vance Dixon
Clarinet [probably] – Lem Johnson
Piano [possibly] – Georgia Tom
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon
24.    Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon–    Operation Blues 3:10
Clarinet [possibly] – Vance Dixon
Clarinet [probably] – Lem Johnson
Drums [possibly] – Jasper Taylor
Piano [possibly] – Georgia Tom
Vocals – Frankie "Half Pint" Jaxon

HERMAN CHITTISON – 1933-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 690 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This disc opens with a bang, or, to be more exact, a howl. Banjo Ikey Robinson imitates Cab Calloway's wide-open hollering -- specifically drawing upon Calloway's scream-along hit "Zaz Zuh Zaz" -- but somehow takes it to his own extremes as he wails about being "Unlucky." Robinson's piano-playing partner on July 17, 1933, identified as "Ivory" Chittison, provides a full-bodied background of smooth, low-down pulsating rhythms and sweeping arpeggios. This mingles surprisingly well with Robinson's guitar, but the tastiest part of the mix is that fearless vocal. The flip side is a real gem, one of Robinson's all-time greatest hot numbers. The melody to "My Four Reasons" sounds a little like "Clarinet Marmalade." The lyrics are boisterous, the guitar licks are hot, but again the grooviest parts of the entertainment are Robinson's frequent vocal outbursts. That man did love to cut loose and raise his voice. These two crazy tunes form a perfect appetizer leading into a full course of Herman Chittison's energetic piano solos. Recorded in Paris during the early summer of 1934, "Honeysuckle Rose" is terrifically stimulating. "Harlem Rhythm Dance" is so fast it's almost frightening. "Nagasaki" pairs off with "Honeysuckle" as well-organized stomps with all of the right stuff happening. "Stormy Weather" is brisk and muscular. It's good to hear a couple of examples of Chittison accompanying a vocalist. Arita Day sounds hipper than Ethel Waters on "Heat Wave" and works up a dramatically poignant reading of Cole Porter's epic tale of heartbreak, homicide, and lynching, "Miss Otis Regrets." Five Parisian piano solos from 1938 are refreshing and inventive, as Chittison sorts out his own style and technique from the influence of his number one role model, Art Tatum. "I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket" is particularly fine, and "My Own Blues" allows the artist to express himself for a couple of minutes without any discernible ties to Tin Pan Alley. Back in New York making records for Bluebird during September of 1941, the pianist served up a gorgeous pair of solos, simultaneously romantic and progressive. If Tatum's vibe is still very much a part of the Chittison style, there is just a hint of Bud Powell's advanced harmonies and lightning dexterity in "Flamingo" and "The Man I Love." arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

CLARENCE WILLIAMS – 1930-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 832 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD is the ninth in an extensive series that reissues all of the recordings led by pianist/composer Clarence Williams. Since Williams headed a wide variety of exciting small groups in the 1920s and '30s that utilized the playing of many top jazz players, all of the CDs are worth acquiring by collectors of classic jazz. The 22 selections on this particular CD range from novelty Williams solo performances to groups featuring trumpeters Red Allen and Ed Allen, Albert Socarras on several reeds (including flute), clarinetists Buster Bailey and Cecil Scott, Prince Robinson doubling on clarinet and tenor, pianist Herman Chittison, Ikey Robinson on banjo, the great tuba player Cyrus St. Clair, singer Eva Taylor, Floyd Casey on washboard, the Bingie Madison big band and Williams himself on vocals, piano and jug. Highlights of this spirited program include "You're Bound to Look like a Monkey When You Get Old," "High Society Blues," "Hot Lovin, '" "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home" and four different versions of "Shout Sister Shout." Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Clarence Williams' Novelty Band–    He Wouldn't Stop Doin It 2:56
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams
2    Clarence Williams' Novelty Band–    You're Bound To Look Like A Monkey When You Get Old 3:03
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams
3    Clarence Williams–    You Rascal You 3:38
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Sam Theard
4    Clarence Williams–    Michigan Water Blues 3:20
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Clarence Williams
5    Lazy Levee Loungers–    If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight) 3:11
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Creamer, Johnson
6    Lazy Levee Loungers–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:48
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
7    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Where That Ol' Man River Flows 3:03
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written By – West / Verges
8    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:59
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
9    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    High Society Blues 3:01
Written-By – Clarence Williams
10    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Lazy Levee Loungers 2:45
Written-By – Willard Robison
11    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Sitting On Top Of The World 2:59
Written-By – Young, Henderson, Lewis
12    Clarence Williams' Jug Band–    Kansas City Man Blues 2:57
Written-By – Johnson, Williams
13    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Hot Lovin' 2:58
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Charles Warfield
14    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:00
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
15    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 2:39
Vocals – Clarence Todd, Clarence Williams, Eva Taylor
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
16    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Kentucky 2:53
Written-By – Clarence Williams
17    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:12
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
18    Clarence Williams’ Washboard Band–    Loving 3:00
Written-By – Charles Warfield
19    Clarence Williams And His Orchestra–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2;43
Vocals – Eva Taylor
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
20    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Shout, Sister, Shout! 2:48
Vocals – Bingie Madison, Clarence Williams, Fred Skerritt, Goldie Lucas
Written-By – Hill, Williams, Brymn
21    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Papa De-Da-Da 3:24
Vocals – Bingie Madison, Fred Skerritt, Ward Pinkett
Written-By – Todd, Williams, Williams
22    Clarence Williams And His Jazz Kings–    Baby, Won't You Please Come Home? 2:53
Vocals – Clarence Williams
Written-By – Warfield, Williams
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Henry Jones (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Fred Skerritt (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Banjo – Ikey Robinson (tracks: 1, 2), Leroy Harris (tracks: 5, 6, 9, 10)
Banjo, Guitar – Goldie Lucas (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Brass Bass – Cyrus St. Clair (tracks: 5, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 9, 10)
Brass Bass, Bass [String Bass] – Richard Fullbright (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Clarinet – Cecil Scott (tracks: 1, 2)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 16 to 18)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Albert Socarras (tracks: 5, 6, 9, 10)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 9 to 12)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Arville Harris (tracks: 9, 10), Bingie Madison (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Prince Robinson (tracks: 5 to 8, 16 to 18)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 7, 8, 11, 12, 16 to 18)
Drums – Bill Beason (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Guitar – Lonnie Johnson (tracks: 11, 12)
Jug – Clarence Williams (tracks: 1, 2, 11, 12)
Piano – Clarence Williams (tracks: 3 to 10, 16 to 18), Gene Rodgers (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Herman Chittison (tracks: 1, 2), Unknown Artist (tracks: 11, 12)
Tenor Saxophone – Unknown Artist (tracks: 9, 10)
Trombone – Jimmy Archey (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6)
Trombone [?] – Charlie Irvis (tracks: 11, 12)
Trumpet – Bill Dillard (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22), Charlie Gaines (tracks: 5, 6), Unknown Artist (tracks: 5, 6), Ward Pinkett (tracks: 13 to 15, 19 to 22)
Trumpet [Or] – Charlie Gaines (tracks: 9, 10), Henry "Red" Allen (tracks: 9, 10), Roy Eldridge (tracks: 9, 10)
Washboard – Floyd Casey (tracks: 7, 8, 16 to 18)

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)

JABBO SMITH'S RHYTHM ACES – 1929-1938 (2006) The Classics Chronological Series – 669 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although only 20 years old, trumpeter Jabbo Smith cut virtually all of his finest recordings in 1929, when he was touted as a competitor to Louis Armstrong. Smith's 19 sides with his Rhythm Aces (all of which are on this essential CD) are some of the most exciting recordings of the era. Often teamed in a quintet with Omer Simeon (on clarinet and alto), pianist Cassino Simpson, banjoist Ikey Robinson, and the tuba of Hayes Alvis (subs appear on a few numbers), Jabbo's reckless and explorative trumpet flights are often thrilling. Highlights include "Jazz Battle," "Till Times Get Better," "Ace of Rhythm," and "Band Box Stomp," but all of the performances (including Smith's trombone solo on "Lina Blues" and his occasional and effective vocals) are well worth hearing. The CD concludes with Jabbo Smith's four-song 1938 session, which is disappointingly tame. Strange as it seems, Smith was past his prime by 1930 when he was only 21. Except for some early sideman appearances and forgettable efforts in later years (plus one previously unissued Rhythm Ace side from 1929 that was unearthed in the mid-'90s by the Retrieval label), this CD essentially contains Jabbo Smith's entire legacy, although he would live until 1991. Scott Yanow   
Tracklist :
1 Jazz Battle 2:40
Jabbo Smith  
2 Little Willie Blues 3:24
Jabbo Smith
3 Sleepy Time Blues 3:27
Jabbo Smith
 4 Take Your Time 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 5 Sweet and Low Blues 3:21
Jabbo Smith
 6 Take Me to the River 2:51
Jabbo Smith
 7 Ace of Rhythm 2:55
Jabbo Smith
 8 Let's Get Together 3:30
Jabbo Smith
 9 Sau Sha Stomp 3:06
Jabbo Smith
 10 Michigander Blues 3:22
Jabbo Smith
 11 Decatur Street Tutti 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 12 Till Times Get Better 3:09
Jabbo Smith
 13 Lina Blues 3:32
Jabbo Smith
 14 Weird and Blue 3:03
Jabbo Smith
15 Croonin' the Blues 3:13
Jabbo Smith
 16 I Got the Stinger 3:20
Jabbo Smith
 17 Boston Skuffle 2:52
Jabbo Smith
 18 Tanguay Blues 2:48
Jabbo Smith
 19 Band Box Stomp 3:02
Jabbo Smith
 20 Moanful Blues 3:00
Jabbo Smith
 21 Rhythm in Spain 2:44
Jabbo Smith
 22 Absolutely 3:00
Jabbo Smith / M. Williams 
 23 More Rain, More Rest 2:46
Jabbo Smith / M. Williams
 24 How Can Cupid Be So Stupid? 3:10
Jabbo Smith