A Piano Anthology

Performer: Various Artists
Producer: Orrin Keepnews (Reissue)
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Dave Barbour, Freddie Green, Jimmy Shirley, Oscar Moore (guitar); Fred Guy, John Mitchell (banjo); Garvin Bushell (clarinet, alto saxophone); Otto Hardwick (alto saxophone); Louis Metcalf, Bubber Miley (trumpet); Johnny Dunn (cornet); Herb Fleming, Joe Tricky Sam Nanton (trombone); Clarence Profit, Count Basie, Dodo Marmarosa, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Jay McShann, Jelly Roll Morton, Jess Stacy, Joe Sullivan, Mary Lou Williams, Nat King Cole, Ralph Sutton , Art Tatum, Willie "The Lion" Smith, Billy Kyle , Bill Evans , Earl Hines (piano); Eddie Costa (vibraphone); O'Neill Spencer, Tommy Taylor, Eddie Dougherty, Gene Krupa, Gus Johnson, Jo Jones , Oliver Jackson, Paul Motian, Sonny Greer, Cliff Leeman (drums). Audio Remasterer: Erick Labson. Liner Note Author: Butch Thompson. Recording information: 04/20/1926-03/08/1968. Unknown Contributor Roles: Duke Ellington & His Orchestra; Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra. This CD contains selections from 20 pianists, all but two (Dodo Marmarosa and Bill Evans) who play in pre-bop styles. Taken mostly from the Decca catalog, the collection has many fine performances highlighted by Jelly Roll Morton's "The Pearls," Fats Waller and James P. Johnson playing together on Johnny Dunn's "What's the Use of Being Alone," Joe Sullivan's "Little Rock Getaway," an alternate take of Art Tatum's "Deep Purple" and rare performances from Frank Melrose, Billy Kyle, Clarence Profit and Ralph Sutton. Not essential but this reissue has plenty of enjoyable music for fans of swing piano. ~ Scott Yanow

Entertainment Weekly (12/23/94, p.66) - "...[an] excellent compendium of classic jazz piano..." - Rating: A

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