Louis Jordan - 1943-1945 {The Chronological Classics, 866} (1996)

Although Louis Jordan's greatest hits are continually reissued, this Classics CD (the fourth in the series) gives listeners an opportunity to hear many of his lesser-known recordings, quite a few of which sound as if they could have been hits too. Jordan, a fine R&Bish altoist who was an underrated singer and a brilliant comedic talent who knew a good line when he heard one (there are many memorable ones throughout this program), is heard in peak form. The 23 performances are Decca sides (including five not originally released), some V-Discs and the privately recorded "Louis' Oldsmbile Song." Bing Crosby sings duets with Jordan on "My Baby Said Yes" and "Your Socks Don't Match," there are two major hits ("G.I. Jive" and "Caldonia") and among the sidemen are the fine trumpeter Eddie Roane, the forgotten but talented pianist Tommy Thomas, trumpeter Idrees Sulieman (on the January 19, 1945 session) and (for the final two songs) pianist Wild Bill Davis. Other highlights include "You Can't Get That No More," "I Like 'Em Fat like That," "Deacon Jones" and "They Raided the House." Highly recommended.

Tracks:

01. You Can't Get That No More (3:03)
02. The End of My Worry (1:37)
03. How High Am I? (2:56)
04. I Like 'Em Fat Like That (2:41)
05. The Truth of the Matter (2:45)
06. Hey! Now Let's Live (2:32)
07. Deacon Jones (2:13)
08. I Like 'Em Fat Like That (2:02)
09. How High Am I? (2:21)
10. Hey! Now Let's Live (2:26)
11. Mop-Mop (2:57)
12. G.I. Jive (3:02)
13. You Can't Get That No More (3:21)
14. Louis' Oldsmobile Song (1:51)
15. My Baby Said Yes (Yip, Yip De Hootie) (2:48)
16. Your Socks Don't Match (3:00)
17. Buzz Me (2:51)
18. They Raided the House (2:53)
19. Caldonia Boogie (2:43)
20. Somebody Done Changed the Lock on My Door (3:16)
21. Junior (2:29)
22. Bahama Joe (2:43)
23. Nobody But Me (2:53)