PAT FLOWERS – 1941-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1060 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pat Flowers was a fine stride pianist whose dedication to playing in a style similar to Fats Waller's at first helped and then ultimately hurt his career. His jivey remarks and vocals lacked Waller's humor and warmth, being a bit distracting and annoying at times, but his piano playing was excellent. This CD has Flowers' first recordings: two trios from 1941 when he was 21, a couple of solo piano-vocals from 1944 (originally put out as V-Discs), and four instrumentals from 1945 (including "Chopin E Minor Waltz" and "Canteen Honky Tonk Boogie") that are enjoyable. The bulk of the CD is taken from a radio broadcast on Feb. 11, 1945, that was a tribute to the recently deceased Fats Waller. All of the selections that involve Flowers are included: piano solos, sextet selections with Fats Waller's former group (including trumpeter Herman Autrey, Gene Sedric on clarinet and tenor, and guitarist Al Casey) plus numbers with a variety of guest stars. Xylophonist Red Norvo is featured on "Honeysuckle Rose," Louis Armstrong is showcased on "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "I Got Rhythm," and there are spots for trombonist Tommy Dorsey, pianist James P. Johnson, and singers Mildred Bailey and Red McKenzie. Overall this is an interesting CD, but one wishes Pat Flowers did not talk quite so much! Scott Yanow  
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PAT FLOWERS – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1093 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist and vocalist Pat Flowers wanted to be Fats Waller. As a young man Flowers would follow Waller, trying to get gigs playing in the lobby of the hall at which Fats would be performing. For his own recording sessions he would hire musicians like Herman Autrey, Gene "Honey Bear" Sedric, Slick Jones, and Cedric Wallace, all members of Fats Waller's Rhythm. Flowers was even managed for a short time by Waller's manager Ed Kirkeby making records under the moniker Pat Flowers and His Rhythm. These 24 sides recorded between 1945 and 1947 showcase Flowers piano playing and singing in the '30s style of, guess who. Featured are four recordings for the Hit Record label, including "Aint Misbehavin" and the Fats inspired "Bach Prelude and Fugue." The remaining tunes are mainly novelties like "Save the Bones for Henry Jones," "Aloysius Do the Dishes," and "Exhilarated, Exasperated, Exhausted" recorded for RCA Victor (the label Fats Waller recorded for.) Al Campbell  
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