Fletcher Henderson - Tidal Wave (1994)

Fletcher Henderson's five Decca sessions are reissued in full on this fine CD. The 1931 and 1934 big bands are showcased. While the former group (heard on eight numbers) features such soloists as trumpeters Bobby Stark and Rex Stewart, trombonist Benny Morton, and Coleman Hawkins on tenor, the later group showcases trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist Claude Jones, clarinetist Buster Bailey, and tenor Ben Webster; altoist Benny Carter has a guest appearance on "Liza." Highlights of these early swing performances include "Sugar Foot Stomp," "Singin' the Blues" (which has Rex Stewart paying tribute to Bix Beiderbecke), the atmospheric "Radio Rhythm," "Big John's Special," "Down South Camp Meetin'," and "Rug Cutter's Swing." Excellent music that proves that swing did not begin with Benny Goodman in 1935.


Tracks:

1. I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby (And My Baby's Crazy 'Bout Me)
2. Sugar Foot Stomp
3. Just Blues
4. Singin' the Blues (Till My Daddy Comes Home)
5. Low Down on the Bayou
6. House of David Blues
7. Radio Rhythm
8. You Rascal You
9. Limehouse Blues
10. Shanghai Shuffle
11. Big John's Special
12. Happy as the Day Is Long
13. Tidal Wave
14. Down South Camp Meeting
15. Wrappin' It Up
16. Memphis Blues [Take A]
17. Memphis Blues [Take B]
18. Wild Party
19. Rug Cutter's Swing
20. Hotter Than 'Ell
21. Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away)