Search - Fats Waller :: Best of Fats Waller

Great Sound Quality From A Wonderful Pianist, Singer, Compos

Daniel B. Pepper | New York | 08/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This three-cd set boasts the best sound quality I've ever heard as far as the great Fats Waller is concerned. There's a mixture of songs which he wrote, startlingly wonderful piano playing, and Mr. Waller covering popular songs of the day, with his own unique take on each of them. There are many Fats Waller sets out there, so I can't say that this is the best one. However, I picked this up for only seventeen dollars (on Amazon.com, it's selling in new condition for under nine dollars!), the sound quality is gorgeous, the liner notes are decent, though not extensive, and I have absolutely no complaints about the collection. The quintessential recording of "Ain't Misbehavin'", which was featured in the classic film, "Stormy Weather", is on this album. If you are curious about one of the greatest piano players of the 20th century, and a man who was a huge influence on the genius, Art Tatum, pick this set up immediately!"

Best Sounding Waller Anthology

Gary Coffrin | San Jose, California, USA | 12/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sony BMG threw big bucks into this Orrin Keepnew's reissue project. Fats' music has never been given better treatment. Each tune shines with more clarity and detail than other Waller reissues.



This bargain CD set has exactly the same music as the much-heralded "If You Got To Ask, You Ain't Got It!" -- but without that set's impressive booklet.



Disk 1 features Fats playing his own compositions; Disc 2 is instrumentals with Fats on piano or occasionally organ (Fats was the first organist in jazz) in a group or playing solo; Disk 3 has Fats singing the compositions of others.



Fats Waller, 1904-43, recoded 600+ sides in his brief life. Waller was an exuberant entertainer and a composer of 300+ tunes. Fats Waller swung as hard as any pianist ever. He played with a forceful stride pattern in the left hand and elaborate and syncopated melodic lines in the right hand. Oftentimes the complex cascade of notes had a pace that was nearly unbelievable. His singing catches your attention with a witty irreverence that adds life to the party.



Bottom line: My, my, the ticklin' is so terrific. This set is a great bargain at its current price (under 12 dollars in Dec. 2009). And, this is the best sounding collection of Waller tunes you can buy. The ONLY reason not to buy this is that you want the same tunes AND the wonderful 98 page booklet that comes with "If You Got To Ask, You Ain't Got It!""