Charles Brown - 1946-1947 {The Chronological Classics, 1088} (1999)

The 24 selections on this Classics CD (their third Charles Brown release) were all recorded by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, a trio consisting of guitarist Moore, bassist Eddie Williams, and the real star, pianist-vocalist Charles Brown. The final three numbers add Moore's brother, Oscar Moore (formerly with the Nat King Cole Trio), on second guitar. Unlike with their earlier pre-"Driftin' Blues" material, the emphasis is generally on slower tempos with Brown having a vocal on every selection. Most notable is the hit version of "Merry Christmas Baby"; other highlights include "Was I to Blame for Falling in Love With You," "Huggin' Bug," "St. Louis Blues," "Juke Box Lil," and "New Orleans Blues." The Blazers' style, a more bluish version of the Nat King Cole Trio, is always pleasing. However, since Charles Brown was getting very little recognition for his talents (audience members often thought that he was Johnny Moore!), he would not be sticking around in the group much longer.

Tracks:

01. Way Over There by the Cherry Tree (2:34)
02. Sunny Road (2:43)
03. Be Fair with Me (2:55)
04. Falling in Love with You (2:41)
05. Huggin' Bug (2:38)
06. Gloria (2:52)
07. I Wouldn't Mind (2:49)
08. Now That You're Gone (2:36)
09. St. Louis Blues (2:39)
10. Bobby Sox Blues (2:50)
11. Juke Box Lil (2:21)
12. Why Is Love Like That? (2:43)
13. It's Over (2:59)
14. Changeable Woman Blues (3:01)
15. I Surrender, Dear (2:46)
16. Better Watch What You Do (2:28)
17. I Love to Make Love to You (2:53)
18. New Orleans Blues (2:57)
19. I Cried for You (3:04)
20. Moonrise (2:33)
21. I'm Looking for Love (2:57)
22. Merry Christmas Baby (2:46)
23. Peek-A-Boo (2:24)
24. Don't Get Salty Sugar (2:22)