This CD has
Fats Waller
's set of radio transcriptions for the Lang-Worth company. The 20 solos are particularly interesting because
Waller
(who sings on the majority of the songs) is heard on both piano and organ (he was the pioneer of the
jazz
organ). Also, rather than performing originals or
Tin Pan Alley
songs,
is heard on a variety of tunes (ranging from
spirituals
and
folk songs
to ancient standards) that were all many decades old (Lang-Worth was looking to avoid paying royalties.)
uplifts and transforms such songs as
"Annie Laurie,"
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,"
"Frankie and Johnny,"
"Oh Dem Golden Slippers,"
"Go Down Moses,"
"When You and I Were Young, Maggie."
These versions are often somewhat unique, and
sounds inspired by the material. Well worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow