1941-1945

Pat Flowers was a fine stride pianist whose dedication to playing in a style similar to Fats Waller's at first helped and then ultimately hurt his career. His jivey remarks and vocals lacked Waller's humor and warmth, being a bit distracting and annoying at times, but his piano playing was excellent. This CD has Flowers' first recordings: two trios from 1941 when he was 21, a couple of solo piano-vocals from 1944 (originally put out as V-Discs), and four instrumentals from 1945 (including "Chopin E Minor Waltz" and "Canteen Honky Tonk Boogie") that are enjoyable. The bulk of the CD is taken from a radio broadcast on Feb. 11, 1945, that was a tribute to the recently deceased Fats Waller. All of the selections that involve Flowers are included: piano solos, sextet selections with Fats Waller's former group (including trumpeter Herman Autrey, Gene Sedric on clarinet and tenor, and guitarist Al Casey) plus numbers with a variety of guest stars. Xylophonist Red Norvo is featured on "Honeysuckle Rose," Louis Armstrong is showcased on "On the Sunny Side of the Street" and "I Got Rhythm," and there are spots for trombonist Tommy Dorsey, pianist James P. Johnson, and singers Mildred Bailey and Red McKenzie. Overall this is an interesting CD, but one wishes Pat Flowers did not talk quite so much! ~ Scott Yanow|