Any list
of the most popular figures in jazz
history is bound to include the
accomplished Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller.
He was a stride pianist from the
James P. Johnson school and of immense
repute as shown here on Johnson’s
‘Carolina Shout’ and his
own ‘Viper’s Drag.’ He also
excelled as a songwriter composing
such standards as ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’
‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and ‘The
Jitterbug Waltz.’
The twenty tracks
on ‘A Handful of Fats’ were
recorded between 1929 and 1942 -
he made his first record as a vocalist
in 1931. Recognition as a major
star and show business personality
really took off after his signing
for the Victor label in 1934. As
the sleeve notes show, ‘During the
next eight years he recorded 282
selections with his ‘Rhythm’ – a
two horn sextet that featured trumpeter
Herman Autrey, Gene Sedric on tenor
and clarinet and guitarist Al Casey
plus a variety of bassists and drummers.’
The ‘Rhythm’
sessions between 1935 and 1939 are
representative material that shows
Waller’s capability to create something
memorable out of what were often
mediocre tunes. This period also
clarifies the seriousness of a musician
who was sometimes termed, incorrectly
I hasten to add, by the uninitiated
as a jazz buffoon. Waller had inimitable
talent and could also swing as well
as anybody in the business.
Waller’s final
recordings for Victor were made
in May 1941 and from that date on
this compilation we have ‘Honeysuckle
Rose’ and two of Hoagy Carmichael’s
compositions, ‘Georgia On My Mind’
and ‘ ‘Rockin’ Chair.’
After the ‘Rhythm’
disbanded, in 1942 Waller wrote
the music for the show ‘Early To
Bed’ and was featured briefly in
the film ‘Stormy Weather.’ His renowned
life of over-indulgence came abruptly
to an end in December, 1943 but
he left an immense legacy of music
and fun.
CD Reviews
NAXOS Jazz Legends – 8.120760
