Jazz
May 21st marks the centenary of Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller (1904-1943), the universally beloved face of jazz. Although acknowledged as one of the finest jazz pianists in history, it was above all his bubbling personality that has endeared itself to millions; the irrepressible tongue-in-cheek humour of his singing in such firm favourites as Honeysuckle Rose, My Very Good Friend The Milkman, When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful and, of course, Ain't Misbehavin'.
Honeysuckle Rose is Living Era's centenary tribute, bringing together what are arguably the 51 finest from his very extensive discography. All the popular favourites are here of course; evergreens that it is impossible to hear without a smile: Your Feet's Too Big, I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter, The Joint Is Jumpin' and so many others.
Waller's legendary skill as a solo pianist is far from overlooked; his ten most highly regarded are all included: Handful Of Keys, Carolina Shout, Alligator Crawl, Viper's Drag and so on. Also two tracks demonstrate Fats Waller the organist, the early Soothin' |
