Fats Waller - The Centennial Collection [RCA]

This edition of Bluebird's Centennial Collection series celebrates what would've been Fats Waller's 100th birthday with a CD and DVD set showcasing the diversity of Waller's canon, from vocal-led tracks such as the infectious "Spring Cleaning" to his remarkable virtuosity as a soloist ("African Ripples," "Numb Feelin'") and one track with Waller on his preferred instrument, the organ ("Beale Street Blues," with Alberta Hunter on vocals). The majority of the material is focused on Waller's vocal performances that brought him fame, his scruffy voice crooning out and his absolutely endearing, hilarious, yet slightly dark ad libs leading His Rhythm effortlessly through the swinging stomping-grounds of several songs Waller brought to the public eye and which likely would've otherwise floundered in obscurity. Read More