City Newspaper Archives - 1/2007
Fats Waller: "If You Got To Ask, You Ain't Got It"
Published by Ron Netsky on Jan 16, 2007
Dig back into the bedrock of jazz and you'll find a mere handful of innovative geniuses. At the top of the list (alongside Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton) is brilliant pianist, singer, and composer Fats Waller. The 66 selections on this new three-disc compilation include all of his greatest works: "Honeysuckle Rose," "Ain't Misbehavin'," "The Jitterbug Waltz," and "The Joint Is Jumpin'." There are also numerous interpretations of standards like "Dinah," "Star Dust," and "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter." The performances, recorded between 1926 and Waller's death in 1943 at the age of 39, range from absolutely dazzling stride piano solos to his work with small groups and larger ensembles. When Waller plays, his fingers glide across the keys with the freedom of a world-class gymnast. When he sings, his exuberant personality takes center stage. A 100-page book of essays and photos is included.
