DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1951 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1282 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Volume 41 in the complete chronological recordings of Duke Ellington as reissued by the Classics label contains 16 master takes that came together during the second half of 1951, the year that saw the release of Duke's marvelous Uptown album. Although big bands were struggling to stay together during this period and Johnny Hodges was off making records with producer Norman Granz, the Ellington Orchestra sounds exceptionally fine throughout. Billy Strayhorn had a lot to do with the elegance that characterizes the 1951 recordings, and the soloists are in extraordinarily good form. "Deep Night" features trombonists Juan Tizol, Quentin "Butter" Jackson, and Britt Woodman. "Please Be Kind" belongs to alto saxophonist Willie Smith, an alumnus of the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. The "Duet" between bassist Wendell Marshall and clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton is mostly an orchestral number that ends as a duo. Hamilton also plays tenor sax on "Bensonality." "Jumpin' with Symphony Sid," a tune rarely associated with Ellington, here becomes a solid steady groove that you'll want to slip into more than once. "Before My Time" from the "Controversial Suite" was Duke's whimsical response to the language of music critics who used up a lot of energy defining Tradition and Modernity; the Suite's title also referred to the flashy progressivism of Stan Kenton. The vocalist on "Blues at Sundown" is Jimmy Grissom, a steady customer who also handles Strayhorn's "Something to Live For" and "Azalea," a love song that Ellington claimed to have designed for Louis Armstrong, who subsequently recorded it with Duke about ten years later on that utterly essential Roulette album, The Great Summit. arwulf arwulf       Tracklist + Credits :

DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1320 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here's a treat. Vol. 42 of the chronologically reissued recordings of Duke Ellington opens with some 56 minutes of music recorded live at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, WA, on March 25, 1952. This document fully conveys the excitement of hearing Duke's orchestra in person, on tour in the great Northwest. Ellington enthusiasts have cherished these recordings for years, and this concert is particularly satisfying. "Skin Deep" is an extroverted exercise for drum kit by Louie Bellson. After this percussive fireworks display the leader provides eloquent spoken introductions, acknowledging the musician chosen as soloist on each selection. Conservatory-trained trombonist Britt Woodman -- a favorite of Charles Mingus -- expresses himself beautifully throughout "Sultry Serenade." "Sophisticated Lady" spotlights "internationally celebrated alto saxophonist" Willie Smith. Clark Terry is the star soloist on a smoky ride through Juan Tizol's "Perdido," after which that valve trombonist elucidates another of his marvelous compositions, "Caravan." Ellington composed his majestic "Harlem Suite" for the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He briefly explains the concept of the piece and reminds his audience that Harlem has "more churches than cabarets." This was in keeping with Duke's lifelong dedication to improving the public's understanding and appreciation of Afro-American culture. Louie Bellson's zippy offering, "The Hawk Talks," has a rowdy piano introduction, whereupon the band generates quite a head of steam. There is a very showy crowd-pleasing medley of Ellington hits and lastly the famous "Jam With Sam," during which Ellington briefly introduces each soloist. This may serve as a listening lexicon of more than half of the wind players in the band at that time, enabling the listener to become better acquainted with the specific sounds of Willie Cook, Russell Procope, and Quentin "Butter" Jackson, as well as the familiar tones of Paul Gonsalves and Cat Anderson. On the cusp of June and July 1952, the Ellington orchestra concentrated its energies on the art of making extended LP recordings. Betty Roche added her scat singing to eight glorious minutes of "Take the 'A' Train" and did up "I Love My Lovin' Lover" in what at times seems a fairly close imitation of Dinah Washington. Jimmy Grissom goes out of his way to sound like Al Hibbler during "Come On Home." This full helping of Ellington jazz closes with an exquisitely expanded rendition of Duke's hit of 1928, "The Mooche," with breathtaking solos by Jimmy Hamilton, Quentin Jackson, Willie Smith, Ray Nance, and the mighty Harry Carney. arwulf arwulf    Tracklist + Credits :

GENE KRUPA – 1952-1953 | The Chronogical Classics – 1390 (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Volume 16 in the Classics Gene Krupa chronology documents his recording activity between March 1952 and September 1953. Although Krupa had struggled for years to keep his big band together, he had to throw in the towel in 1951. By the spring of the following year, he was leading his first small-group recording date for producer Norman Granz. Having spent years at the helm of a big band that expended a lot of energy accompanying jazz and pop vocalists, Krupa seems to have relished the intimacy and immediacy of these exciting instrumental blowing sessions with pianist Teddy Napoleon and tenor saxophonist Charlie Ventura. The opening track, "St. Louis Blues" runs for seven-and-a-half steamy minutes, and Ventura uses his baritone for a deliciously deep-toned interpretation of Hoagy Carmichael's "Star Dust." The big horn was also in evidence on a friendly laid-back rendition of "My Blue Heaven" and reflections of a "Moon on the Ruined Castle" recorded in Tokyo for the Victor label one month later when the trio was visiting Japan as part of an all-star entourage financed and presided over by Norman Granz. As Victor was not his company, Granz allowed the taping to occur but prevented the recordings from being released. Back in New York two weeks later, Granz and Krupa began making records using slightly larger ensembles. The six- and seven-piece bands that are heard on the last six titles of this compilation had powerful front liners in Ben Webster, Charlie Shavers, Bill Harris and Willie Smith; the rhythm sections were stoked with Teddy Wilson, Israel Crosby, Ray Brown, Steve Jordan and Herb Ellis. This outstanding compilation chronicles a sunny and artistically rewarding chapter in the life of Gene Krupa. arwulf arwulf
Tracklist + Credits :

BUDDY RICH – 1950-1955 | The Chronogical Classics – 1419 (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 As the Classics Chronological Series works its way into the early and mid-'50s, the magnitude of producer Norman Granz's achievement becomes increasingly apparent. Some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time -- Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, Johnny Hodges, Lester Young -- were signed by Granz at a time when many Afro-American jazz musicians were struggling to get steady work, and jazz in general was beginning to take a back seat to pop vocals, R&B and rock & roll. Drummer and bandleader Buddy Rich had only just begun to lead a big band when the post-WWII restructuring of the entertainment industry edged him out (see Volume one in Rich's complete chronological recordings, 1946-1948 [Classics 1099]). He was able to continue making records by working with smaller groups, oftentimes at recording sessions supervised by Norman Granz. As the mastermind behind Jazz at the Philharmonic, Granz was adept at documenting live jam sessions. Fortunately the recording equipment was plugged in and running when Buddy Rich, Ray Brown and Hank Jones cooked up a frantic seven-minute version of "Air Mail Special" in front of a rowdy audience at Carnegie Hall on September 16, 1950. This explosive jam, which consists mainly of an extended crowd-pleasing drum solo, serves as a fiery prologue to the first of the Buddy Rich/Norman Granz studio sessions, all of which resulted in collectively swung jazz of the highest order. Granz had a knack for bringing together uncommonly gifted musicians, and Rich was very lucky to find himself recording with pianist Oscar Peterson and guitarist Herb Ellis; with trumpeters Harry "Sweets" Edison, Thad Jones and Joe Newman; and with saxophonists Benny Carter, Georgie Auld, Willie Smith, Ben Webster and Frank Wess. Buddy Rich is also heard exercising his tonsils. Sometimes compared with Frank Sinatra (his rival for the attentions of vocalist Edythe Wright during the Dorsey days), Rich was capable of crooning with convincing suavity, as could Woody Herman. Aside from his quasi-hip vocal on the novelty titled "Bongo, Bass and Guitar," this compilation contains four tracks with Rich standing away from the drums (Louie Bellson was brought in to man the kit) and concentrating upon the art of emitting songs through the mouth, accompanied by a small jazz combo sweetly augmented with strings under the direction of Howard Gibeling. Much more in line with Buddy Rich's regular modus operandi, this segment of his chronology concludes with two extended instrumental jams, each exceeding ten minutes in duration, recorded in New York on May 16, 1955. Arrogant, selfish, cruel and egotistical to the point of megalomania, Buddy Rich was an able percussionist capable of generating a lot of excitement with his drums and cymbals; he could drive an ensemble with plenty of steam, but most of his showy extended solos, which rely a lot on convulsive bouts of press rolling and restless parade ground paradiddling, lack the substance, depth and organic coherence of expanded improvisations created by Art Blakey, Max Roach and Elvin Jones. To call Buddy Rich the world's greatest drummer is just blarney. The person who made that claim most often was Buddy Rich himself. arwulf arwulf 

HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1942-1944 | The Chronogical Classics – 1227 (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is an unusual Harry James reissue in that, after the first four selections (which are from July 31, 1942), the remainder of the disc consists of James' V-discs of 1942-1944. The Musicians Union's recording strike stopped all recording for at least 16 months and, in the case of James' label Columbia, nearly two-and-a-half years. The trumpeter's last studio date of 1942 resulted in the final of three Helen Forrest hits, "I've Heard That Song Before." His wartime band is heard on V-disc versions of such songs as "Two O'Clock Jump"; "Back Beat Boogie"; "Blue Lou"; "Charmaine" (which has particularly inventive writing for the string section); "I'll Walk Alone" (Kitty Kallen's first vocal with the band); and "I'm Beginning to See the Light," the latter cut a month before the commercially released hit version. This formerly rare material is taken from a period when Harry James led the most popular swing band in the world, and it will be of strong interest to swing fans. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :

HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 1313 (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Classics' gathering of Harry James' material between July of '45 and May of '46 showcases a band on the far side of their peak as one of the finest swing bands in jazz history. The group is still in top-notch form, and provides a glimpse into vocalist Kitty Kallen's finest moments with the band on numbers such as "Wonder of You." Fans of swing will find this an appealing set to twirl along to. Gregory McIntosh
Tracklist :

HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946-1947 | The Chronogical Classics – 1313 (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For those who get their kicks by tracing the reissuance of the complete studio recordings of Harry James on the Classics Chronological Series, this is the 12th installment, and it appeared in 2008. During the months covered by this portion of the retrospective (August 26, 1946, through April 9, 1947), the trumpeter continued to ride the crest of his fame as a featured Columbia artist, showcasing pop vocalists and maintaining an orchestra that specialized in relaxing mood music as well as swing. Active in the band at this time was ex-Ellington composer, arranger, and valve trombonist Juan Tizol. The inclusion of the Harry James treatment of Tizol's "Keb-Lah" makes for intriguing comparison with a version recorded by an octet under Tizol's name (one of the only sessions he ever led) for the Keynote label five months earlier on April 7, 1946. With Tizol on that date were saxophonists Babe Russin and Willie Smith, both members of the James orchestra, as was tenor man and fellow Keynote recording artist Corky Corcoran. The jazz element is most strongly manifested in "Keb-Lah" and extended renditions of "Moten Swing" and "Feet Draggin' Blues." James was still utilizing cellos, violas, and violins on some of his records but was in the process of gradually reducing their number and phasing them out during this period. Singers heard on this compilation are Buddy DeVito, Pat Flaherty, Art Lund, and Marion Morgan, a pleasant-voiced performer who eventually quit the band after hearing the leader observe that "singers have ruined the band business." Morgan is the singer heard on "Heartaches," a song that was originally recorded as a rhumba on two different occasions during the 1930s by the Ted Weems Orchestra with whistling by Elmo Tanner and "rediscovered" in 1947 by a DJ in Charlotte, NC. Harry James seems to have timed the release of his version perfectly, for it climbed into the Top Ten on the pop charts. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist :

CHARLIE VENTURA – 1945-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1044 (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Philadelphia native Charlie Ventura was born Charles Venturo in 1916. Following in his father's footsteps, he worked at first for the Stetson hat company. Inspired by tenor saxophonist Leon "Chu" Berry, he took up the sax on his own and eventually made his first appearance on records as a member of Berry's ensemble. After extensive nocturnal gigging while working at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Venturo sat in with Roy Eldridge and soon began recording with Gene Krupa's orchestra. It was Krupa who first brought Venturo to Los Angeles. This wonderful compilation presents a wealth of precious material recorded between March 1945 and March 1946 in both L.A. and New York. These are the first records that Venturo issued under his own name, and they all used the original spelling. He wasn't presented on records as "Charlie Ventura" until September of 1946. Teamed at first with Howard McGhee and then with Buck Clayton, Venturo cut eight sides for the small-time Sunset and Black & White labels. These were followed by five episodes for tenor and rhythm section recorded in New York for the rapidly rising Savoy label. While Chu Berry was his prime influence, Venturo's progress paralleled that of Coleman Hawkins as swing evolved rapidly into bop. Here Venturo demonstrates his remarkable prowess as both balladeer and front burner. The drumming of Gordon "Specs" Powell enhances and fortifies the two sessions from August of 1945. A loose-limbed live "Jam Session Honoring Charlie Venturo" resulted in extended versions of "The Man I Love" and "Stompin' at the Savoy," and were brought out on the Lamplighter and Crystalette labels by producer Ted Yerxa. The omission of Ventura's famous performance at Town Hall in 1945 -- issued on Commodore and reissued by Atlantic -- is puzzling and somewhat disappointing, but the rest of the material is so rare and excellent as to compensate for the gap. Back with Black & White in March of 1946, Venturo led a sextet including trumpeter Red Rodney and Jimmie Lunceford's star alto saxophonist, Willie Smith. There are several contenders for "best Charlie Ventura compilation," but this one, documenting his first year as leader of his own recording ensembles, rates among the very best. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

JIMMY MUNDY AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1200 (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jimmy Mundy was a valuable arranger during the swing era, contributing important charts to many big bands, particularly those of Earl Hines, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. He had a short-lived orchestra of his own in 1939, but it did not make much of an impression. This CD has all of the sessions that Mundy led during the period. He is heard on two numbers with a septet that is mostly taken from Earl Hines' 1937 band, including trumpeter Walter Fuller on vocals, trombonist Trummy Young, guest drummer Chick Webb, and Mundy himself on tenor. His four selections with his 1939 orchestra are here (clarinetist Jimmy Hamilton, pianist Bill Doggett, and drummer Shadow Wilson are the only future names in the band), plus selections from three other ensembles from 1945-1947. Four numbers feature a novelty vocal group called the Ginger Snaps, one ensemble has trumpeter Ray Linn and Lucky Thompson on tenor, and four V-discs feature an all-star Los Angeles band with trumpeter Clyde Hurley, altoist Willie Smith, and Thompson. This formerly rare music should please swing fans. Scott Yanow
Tracklist + Credits :

BARNEY BIGARD – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 930 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

1944-1945 collects Bigard's output after the clarinetist left the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Although his brief time with a band fronted by Joe Thomas is not as consistently rewarding as his stint with Ellington (what could be?), it's still historically valuable and enjoyable for fans of the clarinetist. Bigard had certainly lost none of the virtuosity of his earlier years, but the material is patchier. Nevertheless, this release will be appealing to Bigard's fans, and the Classics label has done an admirable job with the remastering and liner notes. Thomas Ward
Tracklist + Credits :

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1930-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 501 (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The first in Classics' "complete" Jimmie Lunceford series has two titles apiece from 1930 (when the band was based in Tennessee) and 1933 along with its first six sessions for Decca in 1934. Lunceford's band had an immediately recognizable sound by 1934 and, despite the presence of such top soloists as altoist Willie Smith, tenor-saxophonist Joe Thomas and high-note trumpeter Tommy Stevenson, it was its arranged ensembles (particularly those of Sy Oliver) that gave the orchestra its musical identity. Among the better selections on this CD are "Flaming Reeds And Screaming Brass," "White Heat," "Swinging' Uptown," "Rose Room," "Miss Otis Regrets" and the band's fresh interpretations of Duke Ellington's "Black And Tan Fantasy" and "Mood Indigo." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jimmie Lunceford And His Chickasaw Syncopators–    In Dat Mornin' 3:21
Speech [Preaching] – Moses Allen
2    Jimmie Lunceford And His Chickasaw Syncopators–    Sweet Rhythm     2:41
3    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Flaming Reeds And Screaming Brass    2:57
4    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    While Love Lasts     3:06
5    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    White Heat 2:29
Arranged By – Will Hudson
6    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Jazznocracy 2:42
Arranged By – Will Hudson
7    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Chillun Get Up 3:19
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
8    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Leavin' Me 3:05
Vocals – Henry Wells
9    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Swingin' Uptown 2:37
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
10    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Breakfast Ball 3:00
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
11    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Here Goes (A Fool) 2:45
Vocals – Henry Wells
12    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Remember When 3:20
Vocals – Henry Wells
13    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Sophisticated Lady 3:10
Arranged By – Willie Smith
14    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Mood Indigo 2:58
Arranged By – Willie Smith
15    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Rose Room 3:06
Arranged By – Willie Smith
16    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Black And Tan Fantasy 2:51
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
17    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stratosphere 2:15
Arranged By – Jimmie Lunceford
18    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Nana 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
19    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Miss Otis Regrets 2:41
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Sy Oliver
20    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Unsophisticated Sue     3:08
21    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stardust 3:02
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
22    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Dream Of You 3:09
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
23    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Stomp It Off 3:13
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
24    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Call It Anything (It Wasn't Love) 3:18
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
25    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Because You're You 3:23
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Jimmie Lunceford (tracks: 1 to 12), LaForet Dent (tracks: 13 to 25)
Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carrothers
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Willie Smith
Bass – Moses Allen
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Tenor Saxophone – George Clark (tracks: 1, 2)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Joe Thomas (tracks: 3 to 25)
Trombone – Henry Wells, Russell Bowles (tracks: 3 to 25)
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins (tracks: 3 to 25), Sy Oliver (tracks: 1, 2, 5 to 25), Tommy Stevenson (tracks: 3 to 25), William "Sleepy" Tomlin (tracks: 3, 4)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1934-1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 505 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of Classics' reissuance of all the master takes of Jimmie Lunceford's recordings finds the orchestra gaining in popularity and in power. Among the highlights (most of the songs were arranged by Sy Oliver or Ed Wilcox) are "Since My Beat Gal Turned Me Down," "Rhythm Is Our Business," "Shake Your Head," "Sleepy-Time Gal," "Four or Five Times" and "Swanee River." The high musicianship and clean ensembles (along with the showmanship) are most impressive and the concise solos (particularly from altoist Willie Smith, tenor saxophonist Joe Thomas and trumpeter Sy Oliver) are enjoyable and fit in logically as part of the arrangements. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Chillum, Get Up 3:03
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Parker
2    Solitude 3:10
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Ellington, DeLange
3    Rain 3:20
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Swansstrom, Morgan, Ford
4    Since My Best Gal Turned Me Down 3:30
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Henry Wells, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Quicksell, Ludwig
5    Jealous 3:07
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Finch, Little, Malie
6    Rhythm Is Our Business 3:08
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Chorus – Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra
Vocals – Willie Smith
Written-By – Lunceford, Cahn, Chaplin
7    I'm Walking Through Heaven With You 3:12
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Henry Wells
Written-By – Lunceford
8    Shake Your Head (From Side To Side) 2:52
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gerow, Cahn
9    Sleepy Time Gal 3:08
Alto Saxophone – Jimmie Lunceford
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Lorenzo, Alden, Whiting
10    Bird Of Paradise 3:20
Arranged By – Eddie Durham, Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Ellington
11    Rhapsody Junior 3:23
Arranged By – Eddie Durham, Edwin Wilcox
Written-By – Ellington
12    Runnin' Wild 3:11
Arranged By – Willie Smith
Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gibbs, Grey, Wood
13    Four Or Five Times 3:07
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Gay, Hellman
14    (If I Had) Rhythm In My Nursery Rhymes 3:01
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
Written-By – Ray, Lunceford, Cahn, Chaplin
15    Babs 3:07
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Ahlert, Young
16    Swanee River 2:45
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Foster
17    Thunder 3:04
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
Written-By – Manners, Lewis
18    Oh! Boy 3:10
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Written-By – Durham, Lunceford
19    (You Take The East, Take The West, Take The North) I'll Take The South 2:40
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
Written-By – Palmer, Klages
20    Avalon 3:05
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Written-By – Jolson, De Sylva, Rose
21    Charmaine 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
Written-By – Rapee, Pollack
22    Hittin' The Bottle 3:07
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Sy Oliver
Written-By – Arlen, Koehler
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – LaForest Dent
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom (tracks: 10 to 22)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Leader, Arranged By – Jimmie Lunceford
Orchestra – Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley (tracks: 9 to 22), Henry Wells (tracks: 1 to 8), Russell Bowles
Trombone, Guitar – Eddie Durham (tracks: 9 to 22)
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster (tracks: 9 to 22), Sy Oliver, Tommy Stevenson (tracks: 1 to 8)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 532 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For this Classics CD, most of the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra's earlier Vocalion recordings (owned by Columbia) are reissued. The loss of Sy Oliver in August 1939 (he was lured away by Tommy Dorsey) would soon hurt the band but they were still using Oliver's arrangemetns in the last session. "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home," "What Is This Thing Called Swing," a classic rendition of "Ain't She Sweet," "Well, All Right Then" and "Belgium Stomp" are among the more memorable selections on this CD which also has a few typically inferior Dan Grissom ballad vocals. Swing fans will want all of these CDs even if they do not include Lunceford's alternate takes. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Baby Won't You Please Come Home? 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
2    You're Just A Dream 2:51
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
3    The Lonesome Road 2:31
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Trummy Young
4    You Set Me On Fire 2:38
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
5    I've Only Myself To Blame 2:45
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
6    What Is This Thing Called Swing? 2:26
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
7    Mixup 2:18
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
8    Shoemaker's Holiday 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
9    Blue Blazes 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
10    Mandy 2:52
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
11    Easter Parade 2:40
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Trummy Young
12    Ain't She Sweet? 2:27
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Trummy Young
13    White Heat 2:20
Arranged By – Will Hudson
14    Oh Why, Oh Why 2:49
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
15    Well, All Right Then 2:42
Vocals – Orchestra
16    You Let Me Down 2:52
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
17    I Love You 2:46
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
18    Who Did You Meet Last Night? 2:35
Arranged By – Will Beines
Vocals – Dan Grissom
19    You Let Me Down 2:46
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
20    Sassin' The Boss 2:43
Arranged By – Jesse Stone
Vocals – Willie Smith
21    I Want The Waiter (With The Water) 2:43
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
22    I Used To Love You (But It's All Over Now) 2:45
Arranged By – Milton Hill
Vocals – Joe Thomas
23    Belgium Stomp 2:29
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
24    You Can Fool Some Of The People (Some Of TheTime) 2:21
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Trummy Young
25    Think Of Me, Little Daddy 2:42
Arranged By – Edward Inge
Vocals – Trummy Young
26    Liza (All The Clouds'll Roll Away) 2:37
Arranged By – Edward Inge
Flute – Jimmie Lunceford, Joe Thomas, Ted Buckner
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom, Ted Buckner
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, James "Trummy" Young
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins, Gerald Wilson (tracks: 18 to 26), Paul Webster, Sy Oliver (tracks: 1 to 17)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 510 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although there have been a few GRP/Decca samplers released domestically, the best way for serious collectors to acquire the recordings of Jimmie Lunceford are by getting the reissue CDs put out by the European labels. On Classics' third Lunceford set, the personnel stays the same (except for one minor change) during the 15-month period that is covered. The well-rehearsed unit continued to grow and develop during this time. Among the highpoints of the CD are "My Blue Heaven," "Organ Grinder's Swing," "Harlem Shout" and "Slumming on Park Avenue." Although one can do without the occasional Dan Grissom vocals, the concise solos, tricky charts and hip singing of Sy Oliver make this music well worth investigating by fans of the swing era. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    My Blue Heaven 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Violin – Al Norris
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
2    I'm Nuts About Screwy Music 3:03
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
3    The Best Things In Life Are Free 3:20
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
4    The Melody Man 3:06
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
5    Organ Grinder's Swing 2:37
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
6    On The Beach At Bali-Bali 2:57
Arranged By, Vocals – Sy Oliver
7    Me And The Moon 3:02
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
8    Living From Day To Day 3:04
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
9    'Tain't Good (Like A Nickle Made Of Wood) 3:11
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
10    Muddy Water (A Mississippi Moan) 2:55
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
11    I Can't Escape From You 3:00
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
12    Harlem Shout 3:01
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
13    (This Is) My Last Affair 2:48
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
14    Running A Temperature 3:00
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Sy Oliver
15    Count Me Out 3:12
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Dan Grissom
16    I'll Sell You In My Dreams 2:46
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
17    He Ain't Got Rhythm 2:43
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
18    Linger Awhile 2:32
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
19    Honest And Truly 2:59
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
20    Slumming On Park Avenue 3:01
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Sy Oliver, Willie Smith
21    Coquette 3:10
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Dan Grissom
22    The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down 2:50
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Sy Oliver
23    Ragging The Scale 3:09
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Ed Brown (tracks: 21 to 23), LaForet Dent (tracks: 1 to 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles
Trombone, Guitar – Eddie Durham
Trumpet – Eddie Tompkins, Paul Webster, Sy Oliver

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 520 (1990) FLAC (tracks), lossless

For this entry in Classics' complete reissuance of Jimmie Lunceford's recordings, the biggest news for the band was the addition of trombonist Trummy Young who, in addition to being a major soloist, had vocal hits in "Margie" and "'Tain't What You Do (It's The Way That You Do It)." Other highlights of this well-rounded CD include "Annie Laurie," "Sweet Sue" and "By the River Saint-Marie." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Hell's Bells 3:10
Art Kassel
2     For Dancers Only 2:43
Sy Oliver / Don Raye / Vic Schoen
3     Posin' 3:00
Sammy Cahn / Saul Chaplin
4     The First Time I Saw You 2:47
Nathaniel Shilkret / Allie Wrubel
5     Honey, Keep Your Mind on Me 3:10
Jimmie Lunceford / Allan Roberts / Porter Roberts
6     Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet 2:49
Stanley Murphy / Percy Wenrich
7     Pigeon Walk 2:41
Sam M. Lewis / James V. Monaco
8     Like a Ship at Sea 2:47
Jimmie Lunceford
9     Teasin' Tessie Brown 2:56
Jimmie Lunceford / Andy Razaf
10     Annie Laurie 3:12
Traditional
11     Frisco Fog 3:12
Leon Carr / Bill Smith
12     Margie 3:09
Con Conrad / Benny Davis / J. Russel Robinson
13     The Love Nest 3:04
Otto Harbach / Walter Hirsch
14     I'm Laughing Up My Sleeve (Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha) 2:53
Jack Lawrence / Peter Tinturin
15     Down by the Old Mill Stream 3:00
Tell Taylor
16     My Melancholy Baby 3:06
Ernie Burnett / George Norton
17     Sweet Sue, Just You 2:49
Will J. Harris / Victor Young
18     By the River Sainte Marie 3:15
Edgar Leslie / Harry Warren
19     Rainin' 2:59
Sy Oliver
20     'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It) 3:05
Sy Oliver / Trummy Young
21     Cheatin' on Me 2:47
Lew Pollack / Jack Yellen
22     Le Jazz Hot 2:43
Hal Mooney / Sy Oliver
23     Time's A-Wastin' 2:33
Jimmie Lunceford

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 565 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra was at the height of its power and fame during the period covered by this Classics CD. Arranger-trumpeter Sy Oliver's defection to Tommy Dorsey hurt but his charts were still in the books and his replacement Snooky Young proved to be a superior first trumpeter and soloist. With altoist Willie Smith, Joe Thomas on tenor and trombonist Trummy Young still around as stars, the band was in top form on such numbers as "Uptown Blues," "Lunceford Special," "Bugs Parade," "What's Your Story, Mornin' Glory" and "Swingin' On C." All of the releases in this series are well worth picking up by swing collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Put It Away 2:41
Arranged By – Will Beines
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
2    I'm Alone With You 2:37
Arranged By – B. Estes
3    Rock It For Me 2:38
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Joe Thomas
4    I'm In An Awful Mood 2:46
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Trummy Young
5    Wham (Re Bop Boom Bam) 2:53
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
6    Pretty Eyes 2:40
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
7    Uptown Blues    2:53
8    Lunceford Special 2:49
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
9    Bugs Parade 2:29
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
10    Blues In The Groove 2:33
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
11    I Wanta Hear Swing Songs 2:54
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr., Sy Oliver
Vocals – Trummy Young
12    It's Time To Jump And Shout 2:53
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
13    What's Your Story, Mornin' Glory? 3:09
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
14    Dinah (Part I) 2:14
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
15    Dinah (Part II) 2:12
Arranged By – Sy Oliver
Vocals – Joe Thomas
16    Sonata By L. Van Beethoven ("Pathetique" Op. 13) 3:16
Arranged By – Chappie Willett
17    I Got It 2:55
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Trummy Young
18    Chopin's Prelude N°7 2:49
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr., Jimmie Lunceford
19    Swingin' On C 2:22
Arranged By – Eddie Durham
20    Let's Try Again 3:03
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
21    Monotony In Four Flats 2:53
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
22    Barefoot Blues 2:43
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Willie Smith
23    Minnie The Moocher Is Dead 2:28
Arranged By – Roger Segure
24    I Ain't Gonna Study War No More 2:55
Arranged By – Roger Segure
25    Pavanne 2:48
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Credits :    
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Ted Buckner
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Joe Thomas
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, James "Trummy" Young
Trumpet – Gerald Wilson (tracks: 9 to 25), Paul Webster, Eugene "Snooky" Young, Sy Oliver (tracks: 1 to 8)
Vocals – The Dandridge Sisters (tracks: 22 to 25)

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1940-1941 | The Classics Chronological Series – 622 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The European Classics label's Jimmie Lunceford series has thus far stopped with this release, one CD short of completing its task. With the loss of arranger-trumpet-vocalist Sy Oliver, Lunceford's band was still pretty strong although it was no longer developing as quickly as it had previously. During the year and a half covered by this CD, such numbers as "Whatcha Know, Joe," "Siesta at the Fiesta," "Yard Dog Mazurka" and the two-part "Blues in the Night" were recorded along with lesser material (including some dreary vocal features for Dan Grissom). Although not essential, this CD is recommended to Lunceford completists. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Whatcha Know Joe? 2:36
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
2    Red Wagon 2:30
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – The Dandridge Sisters
3    You Ain't Nowhere 2:52
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, The Dandridge Sisters
4    Please Say The Word 2:37
Arranged By – Lonnie Wilfong
Vocals – Dan Grissom
5    Okay For Baby 3:06
Arranged By – Lonnie Wilfong
6    Flight Of The Jitterbug 2:27
Arranged By – Don Redman
7    Blue Afterglow 3:09
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
8    Blue Prelude 2:56
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
9    Twenty-Four Robbers 3:08
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
10    I Had A Premonition 2:54
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
Vocals – Dan Grissom
11    Battle Axe 2:44
Arranged By – Billy Moore, Jr.
12    Peace And Love For All (Prayer For Moderns) 3:11
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Violin – Al Norris
Vocals – Dan Grissom
13    Chocolate 2:53
Arranged By – Roger Segure
14    I'm Walking Through Heaven With You 3:08
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
15    You're Always In My Dreams 2:41
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
16    Flamingo 3:00
Arranged By – Roger Segure
Vocals – Dan Grissom
17    Siesta At The Fiesta    2:56
18    Gone 3:04
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
19    Hi Spook 2:53
Arranged By – Gerald Wilson
20    Yard Dog Mazurka 3:11
Arranged By – Gerald Wilson, Roger Segure
21    Impromptu 2:49
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
22    Blues In The Night - Part 1 2:36
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
23    Blues In The Night - Part 2 2:45
Vocals – Orchestra, Willie Smith
Credits :    
Bass – Moses Allen
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom, Ted Buckner
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford
Guitar – Al Norris
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Trombone – Elmer Crumbley, Russell Bowles, James "Trummy" Young
Trumpet – Gerald Wilson, Paul Webster, Eugene "Snooky" Young

JIMMIE LUNCEFORD AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 862 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jimmie Lunceford's Orchestra was starting to decline during the period covered by this 1996 CD from the European Classics label. There are nine numbers (including a two-part "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town") that feature the 1941-42 orchestra, which still included trombonist Trummy Young (who has three vocals, including "Easy Street"), altoist Willie Smith, and tenorman Joe Thomas; unfortunately, Dan Grissom takes three dull vocals, and there is only one instrumental, the accurately titled "Strictly Instrumental." The second half of the set is from 1944-45, and although there are a couple worthwhile tracks (most memorably the two-part "Back Door Stuff" and "Jeep Rhythm"), Joe Thomas was the only major soloist remaining. The music overall is historic, but not as essential as Jimmie Lunceford's earlier performances. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Losing My Mind (Because Of You) 3:18
Vocals – Dan Grissom
2    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Life Is Fine 2:39
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Orchestra, Trummy Young
3    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    It Had To Be You 3:07
Arranged By – Tadd Dameron
Vocals – Dan Grissom, Joe Thomas, Trummy Young, Willie Smith
4    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town - Part 1 3:09
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
5    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town - Part 2 2:56
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Dan Grissom
6    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Strictly Instrumental 2:36
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
7    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Knock Me A Kiss 3:00
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Willie Smith
8    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Keep Smilin', Keep Laughin', Be Happy 2:20
Arranged By – Harry "Pee Wee" Jackson
Vocals – Joe Thomas
9    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I Dream A Lot About You 3:07
Arranged By – Tadd Dameron
Vocals – Dan Grissom
10    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Easy Street 2:58
Arranged By – Edwin Wilcox
Vocals – Trummy Young
11    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Back Door Stuff - Part 1 3:08
Arranged By – Roger Segure
12    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Back Door Stuff - Part 2 2:46
Arranged By – Roger Segure
13    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Jeep Rhythm 2:54
Arranged By – Horace Henderson
14    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm Gonna See My Baby 2:57
Vocals – Orchestra
15    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    That Someone Must Be You 2:52
Vocals – Claude Trenier
16    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    I'm In A Jam With Baby 3:03
Vocals – Bill Darnell
17    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    Buzz-Buzz-Buzz 2:25
Vocals – Claude Trenier
18    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra–    This Is My Confession To You    3:02
19    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra And Delta Rhythm Boys–    Baby, Are You Kiddin'? 3:00
Vocals – The Delta Rhythm Boys
20    Jimmie Lunceford And His Orchestra And Delta Rhythm Boys–    The Honeydripper 2:44
Vocals – The Delta Rhythm Boys
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Chauncey Jarrett (tracks: 11 to 13), Kirkland Bradford (tracks: 14 to 20)
Bass – Moses Allen (tracks: 1 to 5), Charles "Truck" Parham (tracks: 6 to 20)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Dan Grissom (tracks: 1 to 10), Omer Simeon (tracks: 11 to 20), Ted Buckner (tracks: 1 to 5)
Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone – Earl Carruthers, Willie Smith (tracks: 1 to 10)
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Joe Thomas
Directed By – Jimmie Lunceford
Drums – Joe Marshall (tracks: 11 to 20)
Drums, Vibraphone – Jimmy Crawford (tracks: 1 to 10)
Guitar – Al Norris (tracks: 1 to 13), John Mitchell (tracks: 14 to 20)
Piano, Celesta – Edwin Wilcox
Tenor Saxophone – Benny Waters (tracks: 6 to 10), Ernest Purce (tracks: 11 to 20)
Trombone – Earl Hardy (tracks: 11 to 20), Elmer Crumbley (tracks: 1 to 5), Fernando Arbello (tracks: 6 to 20), James Williams (tracks: 19, 20), John "Streamline" Ewing (tracks: 11 to 20), Russell Bowles (tracks: 1 to 13), James "Trummy" Young (tracks: 1 to 10)
Trumpet – Bob Mitchell (tracks: 6 to 13, 19 to 20), Charles "Chuck" Stewart (tracks: 19, 20), Freddy Webster (tracks: 6 to 10), Gerald Wilson (tracks: 1 to 5), Harry "Pee Wee" Jackson (tracks: 6 to 10), Melvin Moore (tracks: 11 to 18), Paul Webster (tracks: 1 to 10), Ralph Griffin (tracks: 14 to 18), Russell Green (tracks: 11 to 20), Eugene "Snooky" Young (tracks: 1 to 5), William "Chiefie" Scott (tracks: 11 to 20)

WILLIE "The Lion" SMITH - Music On My Mind (1965-2001) Jazz In Paris 64 | RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Willie "The Lion" Smith was one of the last remaining giants from the stride piano era when he made this studio recording for Decca in 1965. Although seven of the 15 tracks are Smith's compositions, they are not his better known works, adding to the value of this release. One can hear how a performance like the driving "In a Minor Groove" could have influenced Duke Ellington early in his career. There are also strong takes of oldies like "Ain't She Sweet" and "Some of These Days," along with an elaborate arrangement of George Gershwin's "Summertime" that likely dazzled the composer if he had the opportunity to hear it during his many visits to Harlem. Smith delves into the works of his comrades in stride, including James P. Johnson's demanding and unjustly obscure "Steeplechase" and protégé Fats Waller's well-known "Honeysuckle Rose." This CD reissue adds three previously unreleased tracks, among them a playful reworking of Fryderyk Chopin's "Polonaise" and Smith's own "All Out of Breath" and "Music on My Mind," both adding his friendly (if somewhat hoarse) vocals. Recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Stuff Is Here 3:15
Willie "The Lion" Smith
2     In a Minor Groove 3:02
Willie "The Lion" Smith
3     Some of These Days 3:33
Shelton Brooks
4     Ain't She Sweet 2:55
Milton Ager / Jack Yellen
5     H&M Blues 4:05
Willie "The Lion" Smith
6     Shine 4:09
Lew Brown / Ford Dabney / Cecil Mack
7     Steeplechase 3:16
James P. Johnson
8     Summertime 3:29
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
9     Sharps and Flat 3:05
Willie "The Lion" Smith
10     Sparklets 3:08
Willie "The Lion" Smith
11     Dinah 3:26
Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young
12     Honeysuckle Rose 4:32
Andy Razaf / Fats Waller
13     Polonaise 2:42
Frédéric Chopin
14     All Out of Breath 2:57
Willie "The Lion" Smith
15     Music on My Mind 3:25
Willie "The Lion" Smith
Credits :
Piano – Willie "The Lion" Smith
Vocals – Willie "The Lion" Smith (faixas: 14, 15)
Nota :
Recorded November 30, 1965 in Paris
Reissue of the Decca LP 154 158
Tracks 13-15 are previously unreleased