Associated Transcription Sessions, 1935-1939

The remarkable Fats Waller recorded two extensive sessions of radio transcriptions in 1935 and 1939. These were in addition to his many studio dates for the Victor label during this era with his Rhythm. This two-CD set reissues all of the transcriptions that the pianist/organist/singer/personality/composer recorded. The first disc has 31 concise performances (many clock in just under two minutes) by Waller, who is mostly heard solo with a generous amount of vocals. Rudy Powell (on clarinet and alto) pops up briefly on a few numbers. Many of the selections are performed as medleys with Waller quickly introducing the next song. The second disc, which is from 1939, has 16 performances by Waller's Rhythm of the period (with trumpeter John Hamilton, Gene Sedric on clarinet and tenor, guitarist John Smith, bassist Cedric Wallace, and drummer Slick Jones) and is close in spirit to Waller's commercial sides of the period. There are some alternate takes and false starts, but all of the music is enjoyable. Waller is also heard on a fragment of "Dinah" (which he takes as an organ solo) and on five piano solos, including a lengthy "Tea for Two" and "A Handful of Keys." A perfectly done reissue easily recommended to Fats Waller fans.