Teddy Wilson Vol.2 (Blues In C Sharp Minor - Original 1935-1937 Recordings)

The legacy of pianist Teddy Wilson (1912-1986) is well served by Blues in C Sharp Minor, a 20-track collection released by Naxos Nostalgia in 2003. That's because the more or less chronologically stacked selection of recordings made between July 1935 and October 1937 includes some of Wilson's very best performances from this time period. What made his little bands so solid and swing-worthy was the constant involvement of skilled improvisers drawn from the orchestras of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Teddy Hill, Fats Waller, Willie Bryant, Fletcher Henderson, and Benny Goodman. Note that "Body and Soul" and "Where or When" are performed by the Benny Goodman Trio with Teddy Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa. The rest of these fine tunes were recorded and issued under Wilson's name. There is an unusually high number of instrumentals in this package -- the very best being "I Found a New Baby," the extended blues known as "Just a Mood," and the organically grown "Blues in C Sharp Minor." The abundance of outstanding musicianship on this disc is simply staggering. Vocals are by Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, and Ella Fitzgerald. ~ arwulf arwulf|