The Middle Years 1910-1918

Performer: Bert Williams
Distributor: Albany Music Distribution

Notes: Compilation producers: Richard Martin, Meagan Hennessey. Recorded between 1910 & 1918. Includes liner notes by Alan G. Debus and 1918 essay by Bert Williams. Personnel: Bert Williams (baritone). Liner Note Authors: Allen G. Debus; Bert Williams. Recording information: New York, NY (??/??/1910-08/29/1918). The pioneering African-American performer Bert Williams was best-known for his humorous and philosophical monologues during various editions of the Ziegfeld Follies. He was also a decent singer (particularly in his early days), and the first solo, non-religious, African-American artist to be recorded. Archeophone has been releasing Williams' formerly rare recordings, complete and in chronological order. On the second of three CDs, Bert WIlliams: The Middle Years, 1910-1918, Williams is heard at his peak, performing such classics as "You Can't Do Nothing Till Martin Gets Here," "Woodman, Spare That Tree," "Nobody" (his greatest hit), his tribute to ragtime, "You Can't Get Away From It," and "O Death, Where Is Thy Sting?" Some of the songs are monologues, while others have Williams singing and talking while backed by an orchestra. The liner notes (which include a long piece about comedy written by Williams) are unbeatable, and many of the performances are classics. This is a perfectly done reissue. ~ Scott Yanow

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