Alternate Takes Radio Performances

by Albert Ammons

Overview

One of the giants of boogie-woogie piano, Albert Ammons' career was cut short by his untimely death in 1949 at the age of just 42. This Document CD compilation is a welcome addition to his legacy, as it collects rare and mostly previously unissued alternate takes, broadcasts and private home recordings. The first two tracks, "Nagasaki" and "Early Morning' Blues," feature Albert Ammons & His Rhythm Kings, with trumpeter Guy Kelly and alto saxophonist Dalbert Bright (who switches to clarinet for the latter song). A later of edition of the group features trumpeter Hot Lips Page, trombonist Vic Dickenson, tenor saxophonist Don Byas, drummer Sidney Cattlet and bassist Israel Crosby (the latter who took part in the earlier recordings), Dickenson takes solo honors on "Bottom Blues No. 2." Ammons guests with Benny Goodman & His Orchestra (with vocals by Johnny Mercer) for an upbeat (if watered down) take of "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie"; Meade "Lux" Lewis is announced as a second pianist, but is not audible. Of most interest to collectors will be the numerous solo tracks by Ammons, particularly "Whistlin' Blues," where he shows off his whistling ability. While the sound quality varies widely, as some of the privately recorded transcription discs show signs of wear, the rarity of this music and the detailed liner notes will make it an essential purchase for boogie-woogie fans. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	03/02/1998
Label:	Document
UPC:	0714298100822
Rank:	105226

Tracks

1. Nagasaki
2. Early Mornin' Blues
3. Introduction
4. Pinetop's Boogie Woogie
5. Boogie in C
6. Shout for Joy
7. Boogie Woogie Stomp
8. The Boogie Rocks, No. 2
9. Funky Start Boogie
10. Blu Blue Blues
11. Bugle Boogie No. 2
12. Reveille Boogie
13. Blues in the Groove, No. 2
14. The Breaks No. 2
15. Bottom Blues No. 2
16. Whistlin' Blues
17. I Had to Move That Thing
18. Dying Mother Blues, Pt. 1
19. Dying Mother Blues, Pt. 2
20. Swanee River Boogie
21. Swanee River Boogie
22. I Don't Want to See You
23. Rock of Gibraltar Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Albert Ammons   Primary Artist,Piano
Hot Lips Page   Guest Artist,Trumpet
Don Byas   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)
Johnny Mercer   Guest Artist,Saxophone
Big Joe Turner   Guest Artist
Benny Goodman   Guest Artist,Clarinet
Big Sid Catlett   Drums
Israel Crosby   Sax (Baritone)
Chris Griffin   Trumpet
Vic Dickenson   Tuba
Red Ballard   Tuba
Jerry Jerome   Sax (Tenor)
Vernon Brown   Tuba
Irving Goodman   Trumpet
Buddy Schutz   Drums
Ziggy Elman   Trumpet
Ike Perkins   Guitar
Jimmie Hoskins   Drums
Guy Kelly   Trumpet
Harry Goodman   Sax (Baritone)
Arthur Rollini   Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Johnny Parth   Compilation Producer
Jack Cooley   Composer
Stephen Foster   Composer
Mort Dixon   Composer
Joe Turner   Composer
Pinetop Smith   Composer
Meade "Lux" Lewis   Composer
Albert Ammons   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Harry Warren   Composer
Noni Bernardi   Assistant