Andy Kirk & Mary Lou Williams - Mary's Idea - New CD!

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Here's a great Gift Idea! Andy Kirk & Mary Lou Williams Mary's Idea The Original Decca Recordings (GRP/Decca 622, 1993, cutout (Paper Punch), UPC# 011105062220) (Category: Big Band Jazz Music CD) ¤NEW!¤ This hard-to-find Compact Disc is new, factory sealed, and guaranteed against manufacturer's defects! ¤NEW!¤ This well-conceived CD has 20 of the most rewarding recordings by Andy Kirk's Orchestra . Ending a five-year period when they were off record, the big band (which had recently relocated to New York from Kansas City) showed that it could outswing most of its competitiors, due largely to Mary Lou Williams arrangements and piano playing, the underrated tenor Dick Wilson, and a strong group sound. Pha Terrell's high-pitched vocals helped the band to catch on commercially, but fortunately, he is almost absent from this collection (singing only "What's Your Story, Morning Glory"), which, with the exception of seven selections from 1939-41 (including two small-group numbers led by Mary Lou Williams), concentrates on 1936-37. Among the many highlights are "Walkin' and Swingin'," "Froggy Bottom," "The Lady Who Swings the Band," "Mess-A-Stomp," "Mary's Idea" and "Ring Dem Bells." Highly recommended to listeners who, in skipping the Classics series, want a strong sampling of Andy Kirk's music rather than every single title. (Review by Scott Yanow, AMG) Songs include: Walkin' and Swingin' - 2:37 Moten Swing - 3:03 Froggy Bottom - 3:07 Bearcat Shuffle - 2:57 Puddin' Head Serenade - 2:30 The Lady Who Swings the Band - 2:41 (Keep It) In the Groove - 2:59 A Mellow Bit of Rhythm - 3:16 Bear Down - 2:56 Twinklin' - 3:02 Mess-A-Stomp -s 3:03 What's Your Story, Morning Glory? - 3:04 Mary's Idea - 2:55 Close to Five - 2:49 Scratchin' in the Gravel - 3:04 The Count - 3:05 Twelfth Street Rag - 2:51 Baby Dear - 2:46 Harmony Blues - 2:46 Ring Dem Bells - 2:45 Album notes Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds Of Joy: Andy Kirk (conductor), Mary Lou Williams (piano, arrangements), John Harrington (alto & baritone saxophones, clarinet), John Williams (alto & baritone saxophones), Dick Wilson (tenor saxophone), Harry Lawson, Paul King, Earl Thompson (trumpets), Ted Donnely (trombone), Claude Williams (violin), Ted Brinson (guitar), Booker Collins (bass), Ben Thigpen (drums). Additional personnel: Pha Terrell (vocals) Rudy Powell (alto saxophone, clarinet), Earl Miller (alto saxophone), Edward Inge (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Don Byas (tenor saxophone), Harold Baker (trumpet), Fred Robinson, Henry Williams (trombone), Floyd Smith (guitar). Recorded in New York between 1936 and 1941. Includes liner notes and annotations by Vincent Pelote. Andy Kirk led the band, but Mary Lou Williams was the heart and soul of The Twelve Clouds of Joy. This brilliant pianist is the featured soloist and composer on MARY'S IDEA, which showcases her genius as a big band pianist and arranger. Williams was not only one of the most vital female musicians in jazz history, but a major contributor to the art on every level. She bridged the gap between stride/swing piano styles and the forward thrust of bebop to come (she personally encouraged Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell and Herbie Nichols), was a propulsive blues player, and an accomplished composer and arranger--credited with being one of the major architects of the modern big band sound. Showcasing a genius In 1931, when bandleader Andy Kirk found himself stuck in Kansas City with one of his key musicians unable to play, he lucked out by finding pianist Mary Lou Williams available to fill the slot. Williams, one of the most gifted musicians of her time, joined Kirk's Twelve Clouds Of Joy as a full-time composer, arranger and soloist. Williams had a deft, fluid touch, and swiftly established herself as one of the most unique voices in modern jazz. These recordings, made for the Brunswick and Decca labels, are from 1936-41, all several years after Williams had joined the ensemble. As the title implies, these all bear the soft but solid stamp of her artistry -- like many swing albums, it does get a... read more

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