Customer Reviews

Portrait 2

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Fats Waller, 1904-43, was a stunningly commanding and energetic pianist and a captivating entertainer. Plus, he wrote 400+ songs, many of which hold up quite well today. Waller was one of jazz's greatest pianists and swung as hard as any pianist of his or any other day. He played with a forceful stride pattern in the left hand and elaborate and syncopated melodic lines in the right hand. Oftentimes the complex cascade of notes had a pace that was nearly unbelievable. His singing catches your attention with a witty irreverence that adds life to the party.

The 10-CD collection captures nearly everything Fats Waller recorded form 1937 until his death in 1943. When traveling on longer trips, I frequently listen to these CDs: Fat's exuberant playing, singing, and casual asides always help my mood.

The only downside is that the digital re-mastering is occasionally heavy handed. Some of the newer recordings sound less true and musical than the same songs elsewhere. These same re-mastering techniques performed near-miracles on some of the older piano and organ solos in the Volume I collection, but the restoration sometimes sounds compressed and distorted on some of the later material. For example, Moppin' and Boppin' (my favorite of all Waller instrumentals), which was recorded for the 1943 film Stormy Weather, sounds tinny and hollow; but the same song is gloriously clear elsewhere. (Moppin' and Boppin' was ultimately cut from the movie, but the song does appear on the 1999 soundtrack CD from Disconforme.)

The CD inserts list recording dates and personnel. The 40-page booklet is good and has some photos, but the English sometimes shows that an American editor was never consulted.

This affordable collection brings together material that is otherwise difficult to locate and expensive to collect. RCA/Bluebird is not currently offering comprehensive collections. This 10-volume CD set is frequently seen on eBay and elsewhere at $25-40. Buy this set now if the price is right.

For fans of stride piano and classic pre-bebop jazz, this collection should not be missed. Persons wanting a briefer overview of Fat's career should check out the superb 3-CD anthology "If You Got to Ask, You Ain't Got It!"

The songs on FW Portrait Vol 2 are also found in the 10CD Fats Waller wallet box, also put out by Documents /Membran. For much less $, usually.

However, the CDs come in sleeves, rather than "jewel boxes," and there is no 40 page booklet. Nor is there any information concerning the location, dates, and musicians.

Check out the reviews for Portrait Vol.1. The same holds true for Vol. 2. This 10-disc set covers the latter half of Fats' career (over 200 tracks). The sound quality is better than you will find on other reissues, and you can find this set for under $30! Amazing! Buy it yesterday.