Charles Brown - 1947-1948 {The Chronological Classics, 1147} (2000)

Although the 24 selections on this CD have been reissued under pianist/vocalist Charles Brown's name, he is actually the featured sideman with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, a band also including guitarists Johnny Moore and Oscar Moore, plus bassist Eddie Williams. However, putting it under Brown's name is only fitting because he has vocals on all but one of the selections (the instrumental "Scratch Street") and is the most impressive soloist. These performances, cut for the small Los Angeles-based Exclusive label, are mostly little-known (making them formerly rare collector's items), and the set overall has more tempo and mood variation than the earlier classics; the band was not trying as hard to duplicate the success of "Driftin' Blues." Recommended.

Tracks:

01. Lonesome Blues (2:46)
02. Soothe Me (2:35)
03. I'll Miss You (2:31)
04. Money's Getting Cheaper (2:31)
05. I'm So Happy I Could Cry (3:00)
06. If You Don't Why Don't Ya (2:24)
07. Scratch Sheet (2:44)
08. Jilted Blues (2:52)
09. Tomorrow (2:46)
10. So There (2:46)
11. Groovy Movie Blues (2:34)
12. You Better Change Your Way of Lovin' (2:54)
13. Free Lancin' Again (2:32)
14. Any Old Place with Me (2:23)
15. I Hate Myself (2:54)
16. If I Had You (2:46)
17. Friendless Blues (2:47)
18. Walkin' in Circles (2:48)
19. Cold in Here (2:30)
20. Love Me Tonight (2:48)
21. Snuff Dippin' Mama (2:44)
22. B & O Blues (2:57)
23. Teresa (2:24)
24. Where Can I Find My Baby (2:54)