Mary Lou Williams was one of the most important figures that emerged from the Kansas City jazz scene in the 1930s. She was a prolific arranger and composer as well as being extraordinary pianist who would go on to mentor the likes of Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker.
This album chronicles her main body of work from 1930 to 1941, a time when she hooked up with Andy Sirk who was to become one of the most successful band leaders of the swing era.
The album actually kicks off with Williams demonstrating her chops in the solo Night Life followed by a selection of songs from the Mary Lou Williams Trio which includes a wonderful rendition of Jelly Roll Morton's The Pearls. The majority of the album is made up with songs from the Twelve Clouds Of Joy including Walking And Swinging and my personal favourite, Little Joe From Chicago.
Everything rounds off perfectly with the last three tracks Zonky, Baby Dear and Harmony Blues given the septet treatment with some great solos including Williams herself.
1. Night Life
2. Overhand (New Froggy Bottom)
3. Clean Pickin'
4. The Pearls
5. The Rocks
6. Walkin' and Swingin'
7. Moten Swing
8. Bear Cat Shuffle
9. Steppin' Pretty
10. Twinklin'
11. Little Joe from Chicago
12. Mess-A-Stomp
13. Mary's Idea
14. Scratchin' the Gravel
15. The Count
16. Ring dem Bells
17. 47th Street Jive
18. Zonky
19. Baby Dear
20. Harmony Blues
