Fats Waller - Fats Waller The Complete Associated Transcription Sessions 1935-39 (2009)

This 2 CD set does indeed collect all recordings that Fats recorded for Associated Transcription Service. Fats did two sessions for Associated, the first in 1935, the second in 1939. Both sessions find Fats in fine form at two different junctures of his career. In the 1935 session, Fats plays and sings a few medleys of his recent songs he had recorded under his new contract with RCA Victor. In some instances he is joined by his band mate Rudy Powell on clarinet and alto saxophone. While Powell's tone quality is a bit harsh, his ability as a creative improviser is superb. There are some single piano solos as well and these are simply great. Disc two contains the 1939 session. Fats is joined by his regular group. It should be noted that in the years between the two sessions, Fats recorded extensively for Victor but many of the tunes were second rate. Fats' recordings of his own compositions and piano solos became few and far between. Because he had more freedom at Associated, it's no surprise that he chose more of his own tunes as well as standards that he admired. The jazz factor also seems to be a bit higher as well. Disc two ends with five dramatic piano solos. Along the way there are alternate takes and several fragments. There is a printing error. Disc one contains a piano solo simply titled E Flat Blues. Disc two has a track with the same title but it is B Flat Blues. These recordings have been availble in different pieces for years and it's really great that they are all completely together in one package. Sound quality is outstanding overall.