Artist: Mills Blue Rhythm Band Rating: Release Date: 1992Total Time: 70:53Type: Compilation (best of), InstrumentalGenre: Jazz
Review The first of five CDs that reissue all of the recordings (other than a few alternate takes) by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band features spirited ensembles, some swinging moments, a few dated vocalists (including
Chick Bullock ,
Dick Robertson and Charlie Lawman), and a no-name orchestra. Trombonist Harry White and pianist
Edgar Hayes were the co-leaders, although the orchestra was actually organized by impresario
Irving Mills . Since the group's best recordings tended to be in its later years, this CD is not essential, but fans of pre-swing big bands will want all five CDs. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Tracks
They Satisfy
Mills Music Masters (2:51)
Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
Sam H. Stept , Sidney Clare Mills Music Masters (3:03)
Straddle the Fence
Cabell "Cab" Calloway , Irving Mills Mills Blue Rhythm Band (2:55)
Levee Low Down
Irving Mills , Shelton Brooks Mills Blue Rhythm Band (3:08)
Moanin'
White Mills Blue Rhythm Band (3:02)
Blues in My Heart (Lyrics) Irving Mills , Benny Carter (3:08)
Minnie the Moocher (Lyrics) Cabell "Cab" Calloway , Irving Mills , Clarence Gaskill (3:05)
Minnie the Moocher
Cabell "Cab" Calloway , Irving Mills , Clarence Gaskill Mills Blue Rhythm Band (2:54)
Blue Rhythm
Irving Mills , Leslie Mills Blue Rhythm Band (3:10)
Blue Flame
Irving Mills , Perkins Mills Blue Rhythm Band (2:55)
Red Devil
Irving Mills , Frank Perkins Mills Blue Rhythm Band (2:55)
Stardust
Hoagy Carmichael , Mitchell Parish Blue Ribbon Boys (2:44)
Poor Minnie the Moocher
Cabell "Cab" Calloway , Irving Mills Blue Ribbon Boys (2:57)
Black and Tan Fantasy
Bubber Miley , Duke Ellington Blue Ribbon Boys (2:51)
Sugar Blues
Clarence Williams Blue Ribbon Boys (2:37)
Low Down on the Bayou
Irving Mills Blue Ribbon Boys (2:38)
Futuristic Jungleism
Irving Mills Blue Ribbon Boys (2:36)
Moanin'
Irving Mills , Mitchell Parish , White Mills Blue Rhythm Band (3:14)
I Can't Get Along Without My Baby
Irving Mills , Bill Hayes (3:18)
Moanin'
Irving Mills , Mitchell Parish , White (2:59)
Low Down on the Bayou
Irving Mills (2:52)
Blue Rhythm
Irving Mills , Leslie (2:59)
Heebie Jeebies
Boyd Atkins Mills Blue Rhythm Band (3:11)
Minnie the Moocher
Cabell "Cab" Calloway , Irving Mills , Clarence Gaskill Mills Blue Rhythm Band (2:51)
Credits Willie Lynch (Drums), Crawford Wethington (Clarinet) , Hayes Alvis (Bowed Bass) , Blue Ribbon Boys (Performer) , Crawford Wethington (Sax (Alto)) , Ted McCord (Sax (Tenor)) , Crawford Wethington (Sax (Baritone)) , Castor McCord (Sax (Tenor)) , Edgar Hayes (Arranger) , Wardell Jones (Trumpet) , Hayes Alvis (String Bass) , Shelton Hemphill (Trumpet) , Benny James (Banjo) , Ted McCord (Clarinet) , Edgar Hayes (Piano) , Castor McCord (Clarinet) , Dick Robertson (Vocals) , Henry Hicks (Trombone) , Ed Anderson (Trumpet) , Bob Stephens (Director) , Harry White (Trombone) , Wardell Jones (Vocals) , George Morton (Vocals) , Chick Bullock (Vocals) , Benny Carter (Arranger) , Anatol Schenker (Liner Notes)
