1934-1937

Clarense Williams | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 28, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Melodie Jazz Classic
• ASIN: B00000B47Z
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #870,943 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars He Still Had "It", August 22, 2010

By 

M. Figg (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 1934-1937 (Audio CD)

The star of bandleader/composer/pianist/music publisher Clarence Williams (1898-1965) had begun to wane by the Swing Era of the 1930's, but during the 1920's Williams was a hugely prolific recording artist. Born just outside New Orleans and then moving there at age 8, Williams worked as a singer and MC from an early age, including stints in vaudeville and with WC Handy's orchestra, then moving on to Chicago and then New York to start his own publishing company and recording career. His early "Blue 5" sides feature young Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet among others, and even his more commercial music always featured an easygoing swing and distinct, assured instrumentalists.

These recordings have the instantly recognizable Williams sound: a light, almost pastoral beat, airy instrumental textures and Williams's frequent associates Ed Allen on cornet, Cecil Scott on reeds and Cyrus St. Clair's stalwart tuba for bass. Allen contributes powerful, bluesy solos for example on "Black Gal", the vocals of Chick Bullock and the leader are pleasant if noticably dated and on the last session (from 1937 on Bluebird records) Buster Bailey's busy, ebullient clarinet drives an otherwise solid but workaday ensemble. The driving rhythm section of Richard Fulbright's string bass and Floyd Casey's drums on "Taint Nobody's Bizness If I Do" highlights developments in jazz that Williams was able to incorporate, but most of this disc is a rewarding, easygoing and sincere reminder of the New Orleans jazz that Williams grew up with.