Cleo Brown - 1935-1951 (2002, Chronological Classics)

With the exception of an album that she made in 1987, 1935-1951 is all anyone has heard of the recordings of pianist-singer Cleo Brown. Brown, who has sometimes been cited by Dave Brubeck as an early influence (although the musical connection really cannot be heard), was an excellent pianist and a personable good-time singer. She recorded four sessions for Decca during 1935-36, in which she is backed by guitar, bass, and drums, performing such numbers as "Lookie, Lookie, Lookie, Here Comes Cookie," "The Stuff Is Here And It's Mellow," "Mama Don't Want No Peas An' Rice An' Cocoanut Oil" and the unusual "When Hollywood Goes Black And Tan." In addition, she romps on the solo "Pelican Stomp," her part from a Decca All Star Revue is included, and there is one session apiece from 1949, 1950, and 1951. It seems odd that she never became a big star. Needless to say, this CD is the perfect way to obtain and enjoy this lost legend's recordings.

Tracks:

01. Here Comes Cookie (2:54)
02. You're a Heavenly Thing (2:53)
03. I'll Take the South (2:37)
04. The Stuff Is Here and It's Mellow (2:45)
05. Boogie Woogie (2:28)
06. 'Way Back Home - Part 2 (3:01)
07. Pelican Stomp (2:22)
08. Never Too Tired for Love (3:06)
09. Give a Broken Heart a Break (2:39)
10. Mama Don't Want No Peas an' Rice an' Coconut Oil (2:45)
11. Me and My Wonderful One (2:46)
12. When Hollywood Goes Black and Tan (2:47)
13. When (3:06)
14. You're My Fever (2:51)
15. Breakin' in a New Pair of Shoes (2:45)
16. Latch On (2:53)
17. Slow Poke (2:41)
18. Love in the First Degree (2:25)
19. My Gal Mezzanine (2:30)
20. Cleo's Boogie (2:44)
21. I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (2:33)
22. Cook That Stuff (2:21)
23. Don't Overdo It (2:34)
24. Two Little Twains (2:32)
25. Coffee Colored Child (2:43)
26. Rollit Boogie (2:48)
27. Hole in the Wall (2:14)