BEN WEBSTER – 1944-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 1017 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Most Ben Webster albums on the market today seem to be reissues from his magnificent autumnal years, majestically lush or bearishly brusque. It's good to have a chronological sampling of Webster's work from the mid-'40s, in order to appreciate exactly how he developed into the Ben Webster of 1959 and 1969. After popping up on early big band swing records by Bennie Moten and Willie Bryant, Webster came into his own as the first really exceptional tenor saxophonist to be featured with Duke Ellington's Orchestra. What we have here is the post-Ellington Ben Webster. His tone has gotten bigger and wider, grittily sensuous and invariably warm like a pulse in the jugular. The first eight tracks were made for radio broadcast purposes in February of 1944. The combination of Hot Lips Page and Ben Webster is a bitch. There are strolling romps with titles like "Woke Up Clipped," "Dirty Deal" and "'Nuff Said," lively stomps built on to the changes of "Tea for Two" and "I Got Rhythm," and two choice examples of Webster developing his ballad chops. "Perdido," from a quartet session recorded near the end of March 1944, is positively stunning. Webster has definitely tapped into something primal, and no one can hear him without being at least partially transformed by the sounds of his saxophone. April Fool's day, 1944 found Webster in the company of tenors Budd Johnson and Walter "Foots" Thomas, with trumpeter Emmett Berry and a modern rhythm section. "Broke but Happy" is a sweet jaunt, real solid, especially when the saxes take over in unison. But the main reason to get your own copy of Classics 1017 is to have the Savoy session of April 17th, 1944. Gracefully accompanied by Johnny Guarnieri, Oscar Pettiford and David Booth, Webster blows four of the greatest three-minute recordings of his entire career. "Kat's Fur" is a goosed up, improved version of "'Nuff Said." "I Surrender Dear" runs even deeper than the two other versions included on this disc. "Honeysuckle Rose" and especially "Blue Skies" each represent Ben Webster at his toughest and truest. This is a rare blend of musk, and it's not synthetic. It's the real thing. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

JELLY-ROLL MORTON – 1926-1928 | The Chronogical Classics – 612 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

While Louis Armstrong was cutting some of jazz's bedrock material, fellow New Orleans native and pianist Jelly Roll Morton was making equally fine, yet long overshadowed, recordings with his Red Hot Peppers combo. And it's his 1926-1927 sides for Victor, cut during a handful of sessions in New York, that form the pinnacle of his '20s heyday. This Classics disc, one of several of the label's chronological Morton titles, includes a good share of those standout tracks, but unfortunately excludes several essential numbers like "Sidewalk Blues," "Black Bottom Stomp," and "Grandpa's Spells" (Classics' earlier 1924-1926 release picks up the slack). While completist Morton fans will no doubt be drawn to this series, curious listeners in search of a well-balanced introduction should check out JSP's superior-sounding Vol. 1 collection. Stephen Cook
Tracklist + Credits :

COZY COLE – 1944-1945 | The Chronogical Classics – 865 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This Classics CD reissues drummer Cozy Cole's sessions for Continental, Keynote, and Guild, most of which have been out of print for years. The two Continental dates feature overlapping all-star groups (with trumpeter Charlie Shavers, clarinetist Hank D'Amico, Coleman Hawkins, Walter "Foots" Thomas, and/or Don Byas on tenors, Clyde Hart or Johnny Guarnieri on piano, guitarist Tiny Grimes, bassist Slam Stewart, and the drummer/leader), but are sometimes a bit frustrating. Since every player is a potential soloist and the performances are limited to around three minutes apiece, the solos are almost cameos, generally eight or 16 bars apiece. The most memorable spot, Hawkins' exploration of "When Day Is Done," finds the great tenor doing what he can with his half chorus. The Keynote session is most notable for Don Byas' solos and for the recording debut of 20-year-old trumpeter Shorty Rogers. The Guild sides have Byas well showcased in a quintet, two extensive drum features ("Stompin" and "Strictly Drums"), and three dramatic vocals from June Hawkins. Overall, this is an interesting and enjoyable CD -- swing music with slight touches of bop. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :

BILLY TAYLOR – 1945-1949 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1137 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Many jazz fans don't realize how long ago Billy Taylor began his career; this French anthology assembles five separate sessions that he led as a young man between 1945 and 1949, as well as one date as a sideman. In 1945 he shows the influence of both Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson in the lightly swinging take of "Night and Day," while his campy approach to "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is rather refreshing. His lyrical solo interpretation of "The Very Thought of You" from 1946 demonstrates his considerable growth as a pianist. Taylor also wrote seven of the songs, which include two versions of his easygoing "Stridin' Down the Champs-Elysees," the flashy blues "Well Taylor-Ed," and two rare vocals by Taylor on the Nat King Cole-like "I Don't Ask Questions, I Just Have Fun" and "So You Think You're Cute." The four tracks featuring Taylor as a sideman in the Walter Thomas Orchestra find him pretty much relegated to a supporting role, although the presence of Doc Cheatham, Eddie Barefield, and Hilton Jefferson makes the music of interest. But Taylor's quintet session with the infrequently recorded tenor saxophonist John Hardee (who is in great form) is hampered somewhat by the unnecessary addition of organist Milt Page, who proves to be more of a distraction with his uninspired playing. Because so much of the valuable material within this collection has been next to impossible to find, it will be of significant interest to fans of Billy Taylor. Ken Dryden  
Tracklist + Credits :

UNA MAE CARLISLE – 1944-1950 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1265 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Una Mae Carlisle, who gained a bit of recognition in the 1930s for being a protégée of Fats Waller, was a talented pianist and a personable vocalist. Unfortunately, ill health resulted in her having to take several periods off of the music scene, retiring prematurely in 1954, and passing away in 1956 at the age of 50. All of her recordings as a leader are now available on three Classics CDs, of which this is the final one. These 25 selections were all formerly quite rare. Carlisle is featured with a Fats Waller-type combo on a four-song session, backed by one group that includes both organ and accordion, purely as a singer in units organized by Bob Chester and Don Redman, and on six three-song medleys from 1950 that put more of an emphasis on her piano playing. Despite the diversity, this program holds one's interest throughout and has its share of high points, displaying the musical talents of the nearly forgotten Una Mae Carlisle. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Una Mae Carlisle–    The Rest Of My Life    2:44
2    Una Mae Carlisle–    That Glory Day    2:42
3    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    That's My Man    2:56
4    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    If It Ain't Mine    2:38
5    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby    2:33
6    Una Mae Carlisle With Orchestra–    Throw It Out Your Mind    2:40
7    Una Mae Carlisle–    Stop Goin' Through The Motions    2:52
8    Una Mae Carlisle With Alan Holmes And His New Tones–    Tonight Be Tender To Me    2:40
9    Una Mae Carlisle With Alan Holmes And His New Tones–    Ohi-Ohio Boogie    2:55
10    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Frenzy    3:09
11    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    I Bought Myself A Book    2:26
12    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    The Best Idea You Had    2:14
13    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Mad About Love    2:06
14    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    We've All Got A Lesson To Learn    2:37
15    Una Mae Carlisle With Bob Chester And His Orchestra–    Three Little Bugs    2:35
16    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Tired Hands    2:46
17    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Strange    3:00
18    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Long    2:51
19    Una Mae Carlisle Orchestra Under The Direction Of Don Redman–    Gone    3:08
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (3:13)
20.1    –    There's Something About The Boogie    
20.2    –    A One Minute Journey To Boogieland    
20.3    –    Una's Boogie    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:44)
21.1    –    A Rhythm Mood    
21.2    –    Escape To Nowhere    
21.3    –    Jumpin' With The Stars    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:31)
22.1    –    Trouble Waters    
22.2    –    War    
22.3    –    Democracy Triumphant    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:28)
23.1    –    The Great Mesmer    
23.2    –    Hypnotized    
23.3    –    Piano Magic    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (2:37)
24.1    –    Forgive Me For Getting Forgetful    
24.2    –    Good Better Best    
24.3    –    Baby Please Be Good To Me    
Una Mae Carlisle And Her Piano    Medley    (3:05)
25.1    –    Do    
25.2    –    Doodle Doo    
25.3    –    Perfectly
Credits :    
Accordion – Dominic Cortese (tracks: 8, 9)
Alto Saxophone – George Dorsey (tracks: 16 to 19)
Band – Unknown Artist (tracks: 7)
Baritone Saxophone – Leo Balandyl (tracks: 14, 15)
Bass – Billy Taylor Sr. (tracks: 16 to 19), Cedric Hardwick (tracks: 1, 2), Cedric Wallace (tracks: 3 to 6), Johnny Chance (tracks: 10 to 15), Michael Storme (tracks: 8, 9)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Saul Pace (tracks: 10 to 15)
Drums – Harold Marquess (tracks: 8, 9), Jo Jones (tracks: 16 to 19), Nat Ray (tracks: 10 to 15), Wilmore "Slick" Jones (tracks: 3 to 6), Wallace Bishop (tracks: 1, 2)
Guitar – Jimmy Shirley (tracks: 3 to 6)
Organ – Peter Sacripanti (tracks: 8, 9)
Piano – Gene DiNovi (tracks: 10 to 15), Herbert Sweet (2) (tracks: 8, 9), Linton Garner (tracks: 16 to 19), Una Mae Carlisle (tracks: 1 to 9, 20 to 25)
Rhythm Section – Unknown Artist (tracks: 20 to 25)
Tenor Saxophone – Gene Sedric (tracks: 3 to 6), George Nicholas (3) (tracks: 16 to 19), Walter "Foots" Thomas (tracks: 1, 2)
Trombone – Herbert Wingfield (tracks: 10 to 15), Trummy Young (tracks: 1, 2)
Trumpet – Alec Fila (tracks: 14, 15), Dick Vance (tracks: 16 to 19), Doc Cheatham (tracks: 1, 2), Johnny Letman (tracks: 3 to 6), Riley Norris (tracks: 10 to 13)
Vocals – Una Mae Carlisle

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930-1931 | The Classics Chronological Series – 516 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Cab Calloway is long overdue for a reappraisal. Long put down by some writers as a mere entertainer, he was actually a superior jazz-influenced singer whose vocal abilities were often overshadowed by his showmanship. The ideal way to acquire his best recordings are to get the 12 CDs in Classics' Complete series. Not only do these reissues include his hits, but also some jazz instrumentals and enjoyable obscurities that give one a more well-rounded picture of the "Hi-De-Ho Man." This particular Classics CD has his first 24 recordings; from the start, his colorful style was already fully formed. It is particularly interesting to hear Calloway performing some material associated with others, especially "Happy Feet" (Paul Whiteman), "The Viper's Drag" and "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby" (the latter two with Fats Waller), and several Duke Ellington hits. One of the better Harlem orchestras, Calloway's early band had formerly been known as the Missourians and included several fine soloists, particularly trumpeter Lammar Wright and Walter Thomas on tenor and baritone. Highlights include "St. Louis Blues," "Some of These Days," a classic rendition of "St. James Infirmary," "Nobody's Sweetheart" and the original version of "Minnie the Moocher." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Gotta Darn Good Reason Now (For Bein' Good) 3:09
De Priest Wheeler / Lamar Wright
2     St. Louis Blues 2:53
W.C. Handy
3     Sweet Jennie Lee! 3:06
Walter Donaldson
4     Happy Feet 2:35
Milton Ager / Jack Yellen
5     Yaller 3:24
Hubert Myers
6     The Viper's Drag 3:19
Fats Waller
7     Is That Religion? 2:52
Mitchell Parish / Maceo Pinkard
8     Some of These Days 2:54
Shelton Brooks
9     Nobody's Sweetheart 3:17
Ernie Erdman / Gus Kahn / Billy Meyers / Elmer Schoebel
10     St. James Infirmary 3:02
Joe Primrose / Traditional
11     Dixie Vagabond 3:02
Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn
12     So Sweet 2:56
Haven Gillespie / Nelson Shawn
13     Minnie the Moocher 3:09
Cab Calloway / Clarence Gaskill / Irving Mills
14     Doin' the Rhumba 2:54
Charles F. Kenny / Nick A. Kenny / Irving Mills / Frank Perkins
15     Mood Indigo 2:26
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills    
16     Farewell Blues 2:33
Paul Mares / Leon Roppolo / Elmer Schoebel    
17     I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby 2:36
Alex Hill / Fats Waller
18     Creole Love Song 2:53
Duke Ellington
19     The Levee Low Down 2:55
Shelton Brooks / Irving Mills    
20     Blues in My Heart 2:54
Benny Carter / Irving Mills    
21     Black Rhythm 3:11
Donald Heywood / Irving Mills     
22     Six or Seven Times 3:21
Irving Mills / Fats Waller
23     My Honey's Lovin' Arms 3:06
Joseph Meyer / Herman Ruby     
24     The Nightmare 2:49
Hubert Myers / Riley

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1931-1932 | The Classics Chronological Series – 526 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The second of 12 Classics CDs that reissue all of Cab Calloway's recordings from 1930-42 has 23 performances that trace the singer's success during an 11-month period. He shows what he learned from his older sister Blanche on some of the songs, but on "You Rascal You," "Aw You Dawg" and "Kickin' the Gong Around," the singer could be mistaken for no one else but himself. There is a bit of surface noise on some of the tracks (sometimes sounding like a light rain) and even a skip on "Without Rhythm" but the wonderful music far outvalues the minor technical faults. Due to the solos of trumpeter Lammar Wright, clarinetist Arville Harris and the tenor of Walter Thomas, the tight ensembles and Calloway's exuberant (in the case of "Basin Street Blues," rather silly) singing, there are many memorable selections on this set. Highlights include "Bugle Call Rag," "Stardust," "Trickeration," "Kickin' the Gong Around," "Corrine Corinna," "The Scat Song" and "Dinah." This is very enjoyable and often-classic music that lets one know immediately why Cab Calloway was so popular during the 1930s. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     It Looks Like Susie 2:55
Cliff Friend
2     Sweet Georgia Brown 2:36
Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard
3     Basin Street Blues 2:57
Spencer Williams
4     Bugle Call Rag 2:31
Billy Meyers / Jack Pettis / Elmer Schoebel
5     You Rascal, You 3:15
Sam Theard
6     Stardust 3:28
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
7     You Can't Stop Me from Lovin' You 2:54
Mann Holiner / Alberta Nichols
8     You Dog 2:59
Cab Calloway
9     Somebody Stole My Gal 2:50
Leo Wood
10     Ain't Got No Gal in This Town 3:17
John Robinson
11     Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea 3:02
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
12     Trickeration 2:56
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
13     Kickin' the Gong Around 3:11
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
14     Down-Hearted Blues 2:53
Lovie Austin / Alberta Hunter
15     Without Rhythm 2:45
Dan Dougherty / Jack Yellen
16     Corrina, Corrina 3:04
17     Stack O' Lee Blues 3:05
Lew Colwell / Rafael Lopez
18     The Scat Song 3:08
Cab Calloway / Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
19     Cabin in the Cotton 4:04
Cab Calloway / Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
20     Strictly Cullud Affair 3:04
Al J. Neiburg / Maceo Pinkard
21     Aw You Dawg 2:49
Cab Calloway
22     Minnie the Moocher's Wedding Day 3:13
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
23     Dinah 3:10
Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1932 | The Classics Chronological Series – 537 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The third of 12 Cab Calloway CDs put out by Classics (which on a whole reissues the master takes of all of the popular singer's recordings from 1930-42) covers a busy six-month period. His big band (which tended to be greatly overshadowed) was actually quite excellent with good soloists in trumpeter Lammar Wright, clarinetist Eddie Barefield, Walter Thomas on tenor and pianist Bennie Payne, but of course Calloway was the main star. Highlights of this very enjoyable set include "Old Yazoo," "Reefer Man," "Old Man of the Mountain," "You Gotta Ho-De-Ho," "I've Got the World on a String," the bizarre "Dixie Doorway," "Beale Street Mama" and "The Man from Harlem." Many of the titles on this rewarding release had never been reissued before, making the Classics series a collection worth picking up in a hurry before they disappear. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     How Come You Do Me Like You Do? 2:52
Gene Austin / Roy Bergere
2     Old Yazoo 2:57
Fats Waller
3     Angeline 2:49
D. Browne / Fats Waller
4     I'm Now Prepared to Tell the World It's You 2:51
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
5     Swanee Lullaby 2:38
Ted Koehler / Morris White
6     Reefer Man 2:56
Andy Razaf / J. Russel Robinson    
7     Old Man of the Mountain 2:51
William J. Hill / Victor Young
8     You Gotta Ho-De-Ho (To Get Along With Me) 3:07
D. Browne / John Robinson
9     Strange as It Seems 3:16
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
10     This Time, It's Love 2:27
Edgar Hayes / Ted Koehler
11     Git Along 2:40
Lovie Austin
12     Hot Toddy 2:37
Benny Carter
13     I've Got the World on a String 3:08
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
14     Harlem Holiday 2:48
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
15     Dixie Doorway 2:58
Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
16     Wah-Dee-Dah 3:00
Irving Mills / John Robinson / Ned Washington
17     Sweet Rhythm 2:49
Sidney Bechet / Leroy Maxey
18     Beale Street Mama 3:06
J. Russel Robinson / John Robinson / Roy Turk
19     That's What I Hate About Love 3:10
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
20     The Man from Harlem 3:04
Will Hudson
21     I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues 3:12
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
22     My Sunday Gal 2:55
Duke Ellington / Mitchell Parish / Frank Perkins
23     Eadie Was a Lady 2:49
Nacio Herb Brown / Buddy DeSylva / Richard A. Whiting
24     Gotta Go Places and Do Things 2:42
Jeanne Burns 

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1932-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 544 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Depression may have been at its height during the two years covered by this Classics CD (the fourth in their series of 12 complete Cab Calloway sets), but there was nothing depressed about Calloway's often-jubilant vocals, the playing of his vastly underrated orchestra or the infectious (and sometimes) crazy lyrics. Trumpeter Lammar Wright, clarinetist Eddie Barefield and Walter Thomas on tenor contribute some fine solos but the focus is very much on the leader's vocals and he is in peak form on such songs as "The Lady with the Fan," "Harlem Camp Meeting," "Kickin' the Gong Around," "'Long About Midnight" and "Margie" (even if "Chinese Rhythm" is rather absurd). This easily recommended set also has a remake of "Minnie the Moocher" and an all-star recording of "Doin' the New Lowdown" with The Mills Brothers and Don Redman's Orchestra. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Hot Water 2:54
Arranged By – Will Hudson
Written-By – Hudson
2    Don Redman And His Orchestra–    Doin' The New Low-Down 3:06
Alto Saxophone – Don Redman, Edward Inge, Rupert Cole
Arranged By – Don Redman, Horace Henderson
Banjo, Guitar – Talcott Reeves
Brass Bass, Double Bass – Bob Ysaguirre
Clarinet – Edward Inge, Rupert Cole
Drums, Vibraphone – Manzie Johnson
Piano – Horace Henderson
Tenor Saxophone – Robert Carroll
Trombone – Benny Morton, Claude Jones, Fred Robinson
Trumpet – Langston Curl, Shirley Clay, Sidney De Paris
Vocals – Cab Calloway, Don Redman, The Mills Brothers
Written-By – Fields-McHugh
3    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Evenin' 2:44
Written-By – White, Parrish
4    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Harlem Hospitality
Written-By – Arlen, Van Heusen
5    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    The Lady With The Fan 3:14
Written-By – Brackman, Calloway, Burns
6    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Harlem Camp Meeting 3:06
Written-By – White
7    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Zaz Zuh Zaz 3:24
Chorus – Cab Calloway
Written-By – Calloway, White
8    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Father's Got His Glasses On 3:07
Arranged By – Will Hudson
Written-By – Swayzee
9    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Minnie The Moocher 3:33
Written-By – Calloway, Mills
Written-By [Uncredited] – Clarence Gaskill
10    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    The Scat Song 2:45
Written-By – Calloway
Written-By [Uncredited] – Frank Perkins, Mitchell Parish
11    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Kickin' The Gong Around 3:21
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
12    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    There's A Cabin In The Cotton 3:28
Written-By – Perkins, Parrish
13    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    I Learned About Love From Her 3:02
Written-By – Calloway
14    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Little Town Gal 3:10
Written-By – Burns
15    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    'Long About Midnight 3:02
Written-By – Hill, Mills
16    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Moon Glow 3:04
Written-By – Hudson
17    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Jitter Bug 3:09
Written-By – Calloway, Swayzee
18    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Hotcha Razz-Ma-Tazz 3:12
Written-By – Razaf, Mills, Hudson
19    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Margie 3:07
Written-By – Davis, Conrad, Robinson
20    Cab Calloway And His Cotton Club Orchestra–    Emaline 2:50
Written-By – Perkins, Parrish
21    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Chinese Rhythm 2:49
Written-By – Calloway, White
22    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Moonlight Rhapsody 3:24
Written-By – Hudson
23    Cab Calloway And His Orchestra–    Avalon 3:28
Written-By – Jolson, Rose
Written-By [Uncredited] – Buddy G. De Sylva
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Andrew Brown (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Arville Harris (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Banjo – Morris White (tracks: 1, 3 to 14)
Baritone Saxophone – Andrew Brown (5) (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Bass Clarinet – Andrew Brown (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Celesta, Piano – Bennie Payne (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Clarinet – Arville Harris (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Eddie Barefield (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Walter Thomas (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Directed By – Cab Calloway
Double Bass – Al Morgan (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Drums – Leroy Maxey (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Walter Thomas (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Guitar – Morris White (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Trombone – De Priest Wheeler* (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Harry White (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Trumpet – Doc Cheatham (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Edwin Swayzee (tracks: 1, 3 to 23), Lammar Wright (tracks: 1, 3 to 23)
Vocals – Cab Calloway (tracks: 3 to 15, 17 to 23)

CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 (1992) The Classics Chronological Series – 629 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Cab Calloway is in superior form throughout this CD (the tenth of 12 Calloway releases from the European Classics label), but it is often the short solos by his sidemen that attract one's interest, particularly those of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and tenor Chu Berry. By the last ten numbers (including his feature "Jonah Joins the Cab"), trumpeter Jonah Jones had become a member of the powerful band which could rank at the top echelon of swing orchestras. Calloway is also heard near the peak of his powers, and the highlights of this fine set include Benny Carter's "Lonesome Nights" (one of six instrumentals among the 22 numbers), "A Chicken Ain't Nothin' but a Bird," "Ebony Silhouette," "Hep Cat's Love Song," and two versions of "St. James Infirmary." Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1     Goin' Conga 2:52
Alberto Iznaga    
2     Hot Air 2:54
Cab Calloway / Gene Novello
3     Lonesome Nights 3:01
Benny Carter / Irving Mills    
4     A Chicken Ain't Nothin' But a Bird 2:54
Emmett "Babe" Wallace
5     The Workers' Train 3:17
Cab Calloway / Arthur Shaftel / Sunny Skylar
6     North of the Mohawk Trail 3:26
7     Make Yourself at Home 2:52
Walter Bullock / Jule Styne
8     Run Little Rabbit 3:12
Andy Gibson
9     Willow Weep for Me 3:24
Ann Ronell
10     You Are the One in My Heart 3:12
Cab Calloway
11     Are You All Reet? 3:05
Cab Calloway / Jack Palmer
12     Ebony Silhouette 2:48
Milt Hinton / Benny Payne
13     Hep Cat's Love Song 3:05
Max Boyd / Cab Calloway / Andy Gibson
14     Jonah Joins the Cab 2:35
Cab Calloway
15     Geechy Joe 3:07
Cab Calloway / Andy Gibson / Jack Palmer
16     Special Delivery 2:58
Cab Calloway / Andy Gibson
17     Take the "A" Train 3:05
Billy Strayhorn    
18     Chattanooga Choo Choo 2:41
Mack Gordon / Harry Warren    
19     My Gal 2:43
Al Bernard
20     St. James Infirmary 3:20
Joe Primrose / Traditional    
21     St. James Infirmary 2:46
Joe Primrose / Traditional    
22     We Go Well Together 3:07
Walter Kent / Leo Robin

CHARLIE SHAVERS – 1944-1945 (1997) The Classics Chronological Series – 944 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After dramatically altering the course of human evolution by making dozens of hot records with the John Kirby Sextet, Charlie Shavers went to work for Harry Lim's amazing Keynote label. The music made on June 8, 1944, is typical of the no-nonsense jam atmosphere that usually prevailed at Keynote. Fronting with Jonah Jones and Budd Johnson, and wonderfully supported by Johnny Guarnieri, Milt Hinton, and J.C. Heard, Shavers sautés his way through each four-minute performance. Edgar Sampson's "Blue Lou" is particularly spicy with its interplay between Hinton and Heard. "I Found a New Baby" is the hottest of all. A V-Disc jam tosses Shavers into the midst of a group of individuals from different stylistic backgrounds. "Rosetta" positively percolates, with exceptionally fine solos from Don Byas' tenor sax and Ernie Caceres' wonderfully soulful clarinet. The mood shifts down to first gear for Linda Keene's session for Black and White Records. Shavers is able to relax and provide easygoing support for this pleasant vocalist. Note the presence of early modern clarinetist Aaron Sachs. A fiery blowing session led by Walter "Foots" Thomas puts listeners back on the fast track with "The Bottle's Empty." This band is fascinating. Ben Webster is at the peak of his powers. Alto saxophonist Milt Yaner turns in a couple of very nice solos, then apparently evaporates from the scene forever. (Who was he?) Billy Taylor and Slam Stewart each show off their best colors. The Classics label has done a wonderful job reissuing material originally brought out on small-time labels. The Vogue Picture Record Company, a division of Detroit's Sav-Way Industries, put out 78-rpm discs with colorful illustrations displayed beneath transparent grooves. Collectors will testify that some of these relics have terrible music on them, but the six titles reissued here are all spectacular early modern jazz. Charlie shares the date with clarinetist Buddy DeFranco, presenting four Shavers originals and two ballads. It's a pleasant surprise to hear Shavers sing "She's Funny That Way," but the sparks really fly during "Dizzy's Dilemma" and "Broadjump." "Musicomania" trots at an easier pace, as does "Serenade to a Pair of Nylons." Fortunately, Classics has included the original illustration displayed on this particular disc: a splendidly rendered pair of stocking-encased "gams" in high heels with a photo of Shavers' rather bemused face superimposed near the pretty left foot. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist
1    The Keynoters–    You're Driving Me Crazy    4:10
2    The Keynoters–    I'm In The Market For You    4:33
3    The Keynoters–    Blue Lou    4:26
4    The Keynoters–    I Found A New Baby    4:15
5    V-Disc All Star Jam Session–    Rosetta    4:42
6    Linda Keene–    Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You    2:50
7    Linda Keene–    I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You    2:31
8    Linda Keene–    Blues On My Weary Mind    2:53
9    Linda Keene–    I Must Have That Man    2:36
10    Sir Walter Thomas And His All Stars–    The Bottle's Empty    2:49
11    Sir Walter Thomas And His All Stars–    Save It, Pretty Mama    3:08
12    Sir Walter Thomas And His All Stars–    For Lovers Only     2:58
13    Sir Walter Thomas And His All Stars–    Peach Tree Street Blues     3:15
14    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    She's Funny That Way    3:37
15    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    Serenade To A Pair Of Nylons    3:33
16    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    Dizzy's Dilemma    2:57
17    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    Broadjump    3:05
18    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    Musicomania    2:40
19    The Charlie Shavers Quintet–    If I Had You    3:24
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Milt Yaner (faixas: 10 to 13)
Baritone Saxophone – Ernie Caceres (faixas: 10 to 13)
Bass – Bob Haggart (faixas: 5), Clyde Lombardi (faixas: 6 to 9), Milt Hinton (faixas: 1 to 4), Sandy Block (faixas: 14 to 19), Slam Stewart (faixas: 10 to 13)
Clarinet – Aaron Sachs (faixas: 6 to 9), Buddy DeFranco (faixas: 14 to 19), Ernie Caceres (faixas: 5)
Drums – Alvin Stoller (faixas: 14 to 19), Cozy Cole (faixas: 10 to 13), Eddie Dell (faixas: 6 to 9), J.C. Heard (faixas: 1 to 4), Specs Powell (faixas: 5)
Guitar – Herb Ellis (faixas: 5)
Piano – Bill Clifton (faixas: 5), Billy Taylor (faixas: 10 to 13), Joe Springer (faixas: 6 to 9), Johnny Guarnieri (faixas: 1 to 4), Johnny Potoker (faixas: 14 to 19)
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster (faixas: 10 to 13), Budd Johnson (faixas: 1 to 4), Don Byas (faixas: 5), Walter Thomas (faixas: 10 to 13)
Trumpet – Charlie Shavers, Jonah Jones (faixas: 1 to 4)
Vocals – Charlie Shavers (faixas: 14), Linda Keene (faixas: 6 to 9)

COLEMAN HAWKINS – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 863 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Some of Hawkins' best combo work was cut during the '40s. Having returned from an extended European stay, Hawkins fell in with his old swing pals and also headed up quite a few outfits with emerging beboppers. This Classics disc reveals the contrasting mix with 23 sides featuring the tenor great with the likes of both swing trumpeter Charlie Shavers and bop iconoclast Thelonious Monk. The four Monk tracks, while not especially revealing, do contain some fine playing, especially on "Recollections" and "Drifting on a Reed." In addition to several quality performances with Shavers, the program also includes four excellent bluesy ballads featuring Hawkins with Buck Clayton, Teddy Wilson, Slam Stewart, and Denzil Best. And for early jump blues fans, there's even a clutch of numbers by Hawkins and Walter Thomas & His Jump Cats ("Lookout Jack!"). Lookout, indeed. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :
1     All the Things You Are 2:58
Jerome Kern    
2     Step on It 3:08     
Unknown Artist    
3     Riding on 52nd Street 2:51    
Unknown Artist    
4     Memories of You 2:57
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf    
5     Out to Lunch 2:54
Jimmy Davis / Joe Davis / Walter Thomas    
6     In the Hush of the Night 2:57
Dorsey, Davis, Dorsey
7     Look Out Jack! 2:47
Jimmy Davis / Irene Higginbotham    
8     Every Man for Himself 2:52
Jimmy Davis / Walter Thomas    
9     I'm Yours 3:29
Johnny Green / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg    
10     Under a Blanket of Blue 3:10
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes    
11     Beyond the Blue Horizon 2:58
W. Frank Harling / Richard A. Whiting    
12     A Shanty in Old Shanty Town 2:58
Jack Little / Little Jack Little / John Siras / Joe Young / Joseph Young    
13     My Man 3:14
Jacques Charles / Channing Pollack / Albert Willemetz / Maurice Yvain    
14     El Salon de Gutbucket 2:59
Charlie Shavers    
15     Embraceable You 3:02
George Gershwin    
16     Undecided 3:05     
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers    
17     Recollections 2:54
Walter Thomas    
18     Drifiting on a Reed 3:04
Charlie Parker    
19     Flyin' Hawk 2:50
Walter Thomas    
20     On the Bean 2:41
Walter Thomas    
21     Sportsman's Hop 3:00     
Sir Charles Thompson    
22     Bean Stalking 3:08
Coleman Hawkins / Erskine Hawkins    
23     Ready for Love 2:59
Howard McGhee