Teddy Wilson - Teddy Wilson & His All-Stars Vol.1 [Japanese Edition] (2014)

During the years 1935-1939 pianist Teddy Wilson led a series of small recording bands peppered with some of the world's most accomplished and influential jazz musicians. That's why "Teddy Wilson & His All-Stars" is an accurate heading for this collection of 16 tunes recorded between July 31, 1935 and November 1, 1937. Wilson's ability to summon many of the best improvisers of his generation yielded results that continue to delight and entertain those who take the time to savor the solos and marvel at the integrity of the ensembles. Collectively, Wilson's players as heard here included trumpeters Irving "Mouse" Randolph, Cootie Williams, Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton and Jonah Jones, as well as trombonist Benny Morton. Among the reeds were Buster Bailey, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Harry Carney, Chu Berry, Benny Goodman, Rudy Powell, Hilton Jefferson, Prince Robinson, and Vido Musso. Wilson also used bassists John Kirby, Israel Crosby, Milt Hinton, and Walter Page as well as drummers Sidney Catlett, Gene Krupa, and Cozy Cole. What all these names add up to is a roster of musicians who played crucial roles in helping to define and refine the style and methodology of swing music. There are five vocals by Wilson's brightest star Billie Holiday, and Roy Eldridge proves himself ready and willing to use his voice to transform anything and everything into real jazz you can shimmy to, even "Mary Had a Little Lamb."