The little known big band that trumpeter
Cootie Williams led in 1944 had some rather notable sidemen: pianist
Bud Powell (in his first recordings), altoist-vocalist
Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and tenor saxophonist
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. This superior English LP from Affinity has all 16 recordings by
Williams from that year, eight songs apiece from his sextet and his big band. In addition to the other soloists, a young
Pearl Bailey has two vocals and future R&B tenor star
Sam "The Man" Taylor gets in a few licks. Among the many highlights of this historic program are "Echoes of Harlem," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Cherry Red Blues," "Blue Garden Blues," and the earliest recording ever of
Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight."