Mills Blue Rhythm Band - The Chronological Classics, 5 Albums (1993)

This fine big band was originally formed by drummer Willie Lynch as the Blue Rhythm Band in 1930 and as the Coconut Grove Orchestra, provided backup to Louis Armstrong on some records. In 1931, Irving Mills became their manager and the group was renamed the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. Lynch's departure later that year resulted in Baron Lee fronting the band until Lucky Millinder took over in 1934. The big band recorded frequently during 1931-1937 (all of the recordings have been reissued on five Classics CDs) and, although the orchestra never really caught on or developed its own personality, its recordings did document many fine performances. Among the sidemen were pianist Edgar Hayes, altoist Charlie Holmes, Joe Garland on tenor, drummer O'Neil Spencer, and by 1934, trumpeter Red Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, and clarinetist Benny Bailey. Later editions included altoist Tab Smith, pianist Billy Kyle, and trumpeters Charlie Shavers and Harry "Sweets" Edison. When the group broke up in 1938, Lucky Millinder formed his own big band.



Tracks:



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1931 {The Chronological Classics, 660}

The first of five CDs that reissue all of the recordings (other than a few alternate takes) by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band features spirited ensembles, some swinging moments, a few dated vocalists (including Chick Bullock, Dick Robertson and Charlie Lawman), and a no-name orchestra. Trombonist Harry White and pianist Edgar Hayes were the co-leaders, although the orchestra was actually organized by impresario Irving Mills. Since the group's best recordings tended to be in its later years, this CD is not essential, but fans of pre-swing big bands will want all five CDs.

01. They Satisfy (2:55)
02. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (3:05)
03. Straddle The Fence (2:57)
04. Levee Low Down (3:10)
05. Moanin' (3:04)
06. Blues In My Heart (3:15)
07. Minnie The Moocher (3:10)
08. Minnie The Moocher (2:55)
09. Blue Rhythm (3:00)
10. Blue Flame (3:13)
11. Red Devil (2:57)
12. Stardust (2:47)
13. Poor Minnie The Moocher (3:00)
14. Black And Tan Fantasy (2:53)
15. Sugar Blues (2:40)
16. Low Down On The Bayou (2:41)
17. Futuristic Jungleism (2:38)
18. Moanin' (3:16)
19. I Can't Get Along Without My Baby (3:28)
20. Moanin' (3:07)
21. Low Down On The Bayou (2:59)
22. Blue Rhythm (3:08)
23. Heebie Jeebies (3:14)
24. Minnie The Moocher (2:51)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1931-1932 {The Chronological Classics, 676}

Although somewhat forgotten, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band was one of the better jazz orchestras of the early 1930s. Classics has reissued all of the big band's recordings over five CDs. In its early days, the band did not have an excess of famous soloists (altoist Charlie Holmes, from the Luis Russell, band was the first "name" to join), but the band improved with time and always featured excellent ensembles (with fine arrangements from trombonist Harry White), along with worthwhile solo statements. The second Classics Blue Rhythm CD is highlighted by "The Scat Song," "Doin' the Shake," "The Growl," "Rhythm Spasm" and "White Lightning."

01. Savage Rhythm (3:11)
02. I'm Sorry I Made You Blue (3:17)
03. Everytime I Look At You (3:01)
04. Snake Hips (3:01)
05. The Scat Song (2:47)
06. Heat Waves (3:14)
07. Doin' The Shake (2:38)
08. The Scat Song (3:01)
09. Cabin In The Cotton (3:02)
10. Minnie The Moocher's Wedding Day (3:04)
11. The Growl (2:43)
12. Mighty Sweet (3:06)
13. Rhythm Spasm (2:50)
14. Swanee Lullaby (2:53)
15. White Lightning (3:03)
16. Wild Waves (3:04)
17. Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia (2:49)
18. You Gave Me Everything But Love (3:10)
19. Old Yazoo (3:00)
20. Reefer Man (2:46)
21. Jazz Cocktail (2:59)
22. Smoke Rings (2:54)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1933-1934 {The Chronological Classics, 686}

By 1933, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band was entering its prime period. On the third of Classics' five "complete" CDs by the orchestra, the music is excellent, except for four okay vocals by Chuck Richards. Trumpeter Ed Anderson emerged as a strong soloist during the period; trombonist J.C. Higginbottham joined the band for the final 11 of these 23 selections; the great trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen signed up in time for the last nine numbers; tenor saxophonist Joe Garland was featured on some good spots; and the rhythm section proves that it could hold its own with most others of the time. In addition, guest singer Adelaide Hall is heard on two previously unreleased numbers that were previously unreleased. Such charts as "Ridin' In Rhythm," "Harlem After Midnight" (heard in two versions), "The Stuff Is Here (And It's Mellow)," "The Growl" and "Swingin' In E Flat" are quite enjoyable.

01. Ridin' In Rhythm (3:16)
02. Weary Traveller (3:13)
03. Buddy's Wednesday Outing (3:20)
04. Harlem After Midnight (3:03)
05. Jazz Martini (3:05)
06. Feelin' Gay (2:57)
07. Break It Down (2:46)
08. Kokey Joe (3:09)
09. Love's Serenade (3:27)
10. Harlem After Midnight (3:19)
11. Drop Me Off In Harlem (2:49)
12. Reaching For The Cotton Moon (3:05)
13. The Stuff Is Here (And It's Mellow) (3:00)
14. The Growl (2:59)
15. Swingin' In E Flat (3:02)
16. Lat's Have A Jubilee (2:56)
17. Out Of A Dream (3:06)
18. African Lullaby (3:02)
19. Solitude (3:06)
20. Dancing Dogs (2:51)
21. Love's Serenade (3:04)
22. Keep The Rhythm Going (2:55)
23. Like A Bolt From The Blue (3:07)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1934-1936 {The Chronological Classics, 710}

The fourth of the European Classics label's five CDs containing the complete output of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band captures the underrated orchestra at the peak of their powers. Formerly a no-name outfit, trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Buster Bailey, and tenor saxophonist Joe Garland were the group's star soloists by this time. In addition, by the last eight numbers on this highly recommended program, altoist Tab Smith was also part of the band. The CD starts off with three numbers on which singer Chuck Richards is backed by a sextet including Allen, Bailey, and trombonist Benny Morton. Otherwise the program features the full orchestra (directed by Lucky Millinder by this time). There are many exciting tracks along with a few ballad vocal features for Richards, with the more memorable performances including "Spitfire," "Ride Red Ride," "Congo Caravan," "There's Rhythm in Harlem" (which hints at the then-unwritten "In the Mood"), "Truckin'," and "E Flat Stride." This is the best of the five Classics Blue Rhythm releases.

01. Blue Interlude (2:56)
02. A Rainbow Filled With Music (2:46)
03. Devil In The Moon (2:56)
04. Back Beats (2:50)
05. Spitfire (3:03)
06. Brown Sugar Mine (3:14)
07. Ride, Red, Ride (3:02)
08. Harlem Heat (3:05)
09. Once To Every Heart (2:59)
10. Congo Caravan (2:43)
11. There's Rhythm In Harlem (3:08)
12. Tallahassee (2:35)
13. Waiting In The Garden (2:41)
14. Dinah Lou (2:48)
15. Cotton (3:09)
16. Truckin' (2:45)
17. Blue Mood (3:05)
18. E Flat Stride (3:05)
19. Broken Dreams Of You (2:44)
20. Yes! Yes! (2:57)
21. Shoe Shine Boy (2:46)
22. Midnight Ramble (3:00)
23. Red Rhythm (3:08)
24. Everything Is Still Okay (3:17)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1936-1937 {The Chronological Classics, 731}

The fifth and final Classics CD by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band starts out at the same high level as the fourth set. With trumpeter Henry "Red" Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbottham, altoist Tab Smith and tenor saxophonist Joe Garland in the band (pianist Billy Kyle soon joined up as well), along with a solid rhythm section, the orchestra could swing quite hard, as shown on such numbers as "St. Louis Wiggle Rhythm," "Merry-Go-Round," "Big John's Special" and "Algiers Stomp." However, by 1937 (when the second half of this CD was recorded), Allen, Higginbottham and Garland had departed. The music is still worthwhile, with Smith and young trumpeters Harry "Sweets" Edison and Charlie Shavers in the band, but the enthusiasm was starting to drop. Due to the heavy competition from the many better-known orchestras, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band would soon become a forgotten part of history, but as the five Classics CDs show, the orchestra did create quite a bit of worthwhile music in the 1930s.

01. Jes' Natch'ully Lazy (I Was Born That Way) (3:09)
02. St. Louis Wiggle Rhythm (2:59)
03. Merry-Go-Round (2:54)
04. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (3:18)
05. In A Sentimental Mood (2:54)
06. Carry Me Back To Green Pastures (3:11)
07. Balloonacy (3:00)
08. Barrelhouse (3:06)
09. The Moon Is Grinning At Me (3:07)
10. Showboat Shuffle (3:21)
11. Big John's Special (2:59)
12. Mr. Ghost Goes To Town (3:27)
13. Callin' Your Bluff (3:02)
14. Algiers Stomp (3:08)
15. Blue Rhythm Fantasy (3:21)
16. Prelude To A Stomp (3:13)
17. Rhythm Jam (2:48)
18. Jungle Madness (3:09)
19. The Lucky Swing (2:43)
20. Please Pity My Heart (2:51)
21. Let's Get Together (2:51)
22. Jammin' For The Jack-Pot (2:30)
23. The Image Of You (2:23)
24. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (2:31)