Jelly Roll Morton - 1939-1940 {The Chronological Classics, 668}

This CD has (with the exception of two songs from a slightly later radio broadcast) the final recordings of pianist-composer Jelly Roll Morton. Best are his piano solos (such as "The Crave," "The Naked Dance," and "King Porter Stomp") and selections in which he backs his own vocals (including "I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say," "Don't You Leave Me Here," and "Mamie's Blues"). Morton's three band dates (which resulted in the final dozen titles) are slightly disappointing because he was obviously trying to write a hit and not having any success. The songs are all forgettable except "Sweet Substitute" and the standard "Panama." But overall, this CD (along with the others in the Classics reissues series) are easily recommended to fans of vintage classic jazz who do not own the more complete five-CD Bluebird Morton set.

Tracks:

01. The Crave [3:05]
02. The Naked Dance [2:51]
03. Mister Joe [2:49]
04. King Porter Stomp [2:50]
05. Winin' Boy Blues [2:52]
06. Buddy Bolden's Blues [2:46]
07. The Naked Dance [2:51]
08. Don't You Leave Me Here [2:50]
09. Mamie's Blues [2:43]
10. Michigan Water Blues [3:00]
11. Sweet Substitute [2:54]
12. Panama [2:34]
13. Good Old New York [2:46]
14. Big Lip Blues [3:12]
15. Why? [2:46]
16. Got The Bucket [2:52]
17. If You Know [2:39]
18. Shake It [2:52]
19. Dirty, Dirty, Dirty [2:52]
20. Swinging The Elks [2:53]
21. Mama's Got A Baby [2:38]
22. My Home Is In A Southern Town [2:44]