Editorial Reviews

Thirteen different groups are featured on this very intriguing sampler which says that it includes "complete recorded works, alternative takes, supplements & remaining titles," emphasizing pianists. The opening selection, "Wild West Galop," is a very rare piano solo from 1897 by Charles H.H. Booth that hints at both ragtime and silent movies, both of which were in their infancy. Earl Hines is heard on his recording debut in 1922 with singer Lois Deppe, and he displays an almost recognizable style on four numbers with the somewhat wobbly singer. Duke Ellington is featured on four rarities including backing his manager Irving Mills' vocal and kazoo on "Everything Is Hotsy Totsy Now" and on his lone piano roll, "Jig Walk," which also includes a weird drum track. Sammy Lewis' two vocal numbers feature some excellent cornet playing from Edwin Swayzee. Such lesser-known groups and pianists as the Searcy Trio, the Blackbirds of Harmony (with pianist Perry Bradford), Mike Jackson, and Barrel-House Pete make interesting contributions, and there are rare tracks from pianists Frank Melrose, Clarence Williams (an alternate take of "A Pane in the Glass") and composer-pianist-singer Willard Robinson. Francis C. Carter has been cited as an influence on Art Tatum though one can hear little of Tatum in Carter's versions of "I Wonder What's Become of Joe" and "The Birth of the Blues." All in all, this Document CD has more than its share of rare high points. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

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