Mills Blue Rhythm Band - The Chronological Classics, 5 Albums '1931-1937 [1993]

Tracks list

This fine big band was originally formed by drummer Willie Lynch as the Blue
Rhythm Band in 1930 and as the Coconut Grove Orchestra, provided backup to Louis
Armstrong on some records. In 1931, Irving Mills became their manager and the
group was renamed the Mills Blue Rhythm Band. Lynchs departure later that year
resulted in Baron Lee fronting the band until Lucky Millinder took over in 1934.
The big band recorded frequently during 1931-1937 (all of the recordings have
been reissued on five Classics CDs) and, although the orchestra never really
caught on or developed its own personality, its recordings did document many
fine performances. Among the sidemen were pianist Edgar Hayes, altoist Charlie
Holmes, Joe Garland on tenor, drummer ONeil Spencer, and by 1934, trumpeter Red
Allen, trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, and clarinetist Benny Bailey. Later
editions included altoist Tab Smith, pianist Billy Kyle, and trumpeters Charlie
Shavers and Harry Sweets Edison. When the group broke up in 1938, Lucky
Millinder formed his own big band.



Tracks:



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1931 {The Chronological Classics, 660} 

The first of five CDs that reissue all of the recordings (other than a few
alternate takes) by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band features spirited ensembles, some
swinging moments, a few dated vocalists (including Chick Bullock, Dick Robertson
and Charlie Lawman), and a no-name orchestra. Trombonist Harry White and pianist
Edgar Hayes were the co-leaders, although the orchestra was actually organized
by impresario Irving Mills. Since the groups best recordings tended to be in its
later years, this CD is not essential, but fans of pre-swing big bands will want
all five CDs.

01. They Satisfy (2:55)
02. Please Dont Talk About Me When Im Gone (3:05)
03. Straddle The Fence (2:57)
04. Levee Low Down (3:10)
05. Moanin (3:04)
06. Blues In My Heart (3:15)
07. Minnie The Moocher (3:10)
08. Minnie The Moocher (2:55)
09. Blue Rhythm (3:00)
10. Blue Flame (3:13)
11. Red Devil (2:57)
12. Stardust (2:47)
13. Poor Minnie The Moocher (3:00)
14. Black And Tan Fantasy (2:53)
15. Sugar Blues (2:40)
16. Low Down On The Bayou (2:41)
17. Futuristic Jungleism (2:38)
18. Moanin (3:16)
19. I Cant Get Along Without My Baby (3:28)
20. Moanin (3:07)
21. Low Down On The Bayou (2:59)
22. Blue Rhythm (3:08)
23. Heebie Jeebies (3:14)
24. Minnie The Moocher (2:51)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1931-1932 {The Chronological Classics, 676} 

Although somewhat forgotten, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band was one of the better
jazz orchestras of the early 1930s. Classics has reissued all of the big bands
recordings over five CDs. In its early days, the band did not have an excess of
famous soloists (altoist Charlie Holmes, from the Luis Russell, band was the
first name to join), but the band improved with time and always featured
excellent ensembles (with fine arrangements from trombonist Harry White), along
with worthwhile solo statements. The second Classics Blue Rhythm CD is
highlighted by The Scat Song, Doin the Shake, The Growl, Rhythm Spasm and White
Lightning.

01. Savage Rhythm (3:11)
02. Im Sorry I Made You Blue (3:17)
03. Everytime I Look At You (3:01)
04. Snake Hips (3:01)
05. The Scat Song (2:47)
06. Heat Waves (3:14)
07. Doin The Shake (2:38)
08. The Scat Song (3:01)
09. Cabin In The Cotton (3:02)
10. Minnie The Moochers Wedding Day (3:04)
11. The Growl (2:43)
12. Mighty Sweet (3:06)
13. Rhythm Spasm (2:50)
14. Swanee Lullaby (2:53)
15. White Lightning (3:03)
16. Wild Waves (3:04)
17. Sentimental Gentleman From Georgia (2:49)
18. You Gave Me Everything But Love (3:10)
19. Old Yazoo (3:00)
20. Reefer Man (2:46)
21. Jazz Cocktail (2:59)
22. Smoke Rings (2:54)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1933-1934 {The Chronological Classics, 686} 

By 1933, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band was entering its prime period. On the third
of Classics five complete CDs by the orchestra, the music is excellent, except
for four okay vocals by Chuck Richards. Trumpeter Ed Anderson emerged as a
strong soloist during the period; trombonist J.C. Higginbottham joined the band
for the final 11 of these 23 selections; the great trumpeter Henry Red Allen
signed up in time for the last nine numbers; tenor saxophonist Joe Garland was
featured on some good spots; and the rhythm section proves that it could hold
its own with most others of the time. In addition, guest singer Adelaide Hall is
heard on two previously unreleased numbers that were previously unreleased. Such
charts as Ridin In Rhythm, Harlem After Midnight (heard in two versions), The
Stuff Is Here (And Its Mellow), The Growl and Swingin In E Flat are quite
enjoyable.

01. Ridin In Rhythm (3:16)
02. Weary Traveller (3:13)
03. Buddys Wednesday Outing (3:20)
04. Harlem After Midnight (3:03)
05. Jazz Martini (3:05)
06. Feelin Gay (2:57)
07. Break It Down (2:46)
08. Kokey Joe (3:09)
09. Loves Serenade (3:27)
10. Harlem After Midnight (3:19)
11. Drop Me Off In Harlem (2:49)
12. Reaching For The Cotton Moon (3:05)
13. The Stuff Is Here (And Its Mellow) (3:00)
14. The Growl (2:59)
15. Swingin In E Flat (3:02)
16. Lats Have A Jubilee (2:56)
17. Out Of A Dream (3:06)
18. African Lullaby (3:02)
19. Solitude (3:06)
20. Dancing Dogs (2:51)
21. Loves Serenade (3:04)
22. Keep The Rhythm Going (2:55)
23. Like A Bolt From The Blue (3:07)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1934-1936 {The Chronological Classics, 710} 

The fourth of the European Classics labels five CDs containing the complete
output of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band captures the underrated orchestra at the
peak of their powers. Formerly a no-name outfit, trumpeter Henry Red Allen,
trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Buster Bailey, and tenor saxophonist
Joe Garland were the groups star soloists by this time. In addition, by the last
eight numbers on this highly recommended program, altoist Tab Smith was also
part of the band. The CD starts off with three numbers on which singer Chuck
Richards is backed by a sextet including Allen, Bailey, and trombonist Benny
Morton. Otherwise the program features the full orchestra (directed by Lucky
Millinder by this time). There are many exciting tracks along with a few ballad
vocal features for Richards, with the more memorable performances including
Spitfire, Ride Red Ride, Congo Caravan, Theres Rhythm in Harlem (which hints at
the then-unwritten In the Mood), Truckin, and E Flat Stride. This is the best of
the five Classics Blue Rhythm releases.

01. Blue Interlude (2:56)
02. A Rainbow Filled With Music (2:46)
03. Devil In The Moon (2:56)
04. Back Beats (2:50)
05. Spitfire (3:03)
06. Brown Sugar Mine (3:14)
07. Ride, Red, Ride (3:02)
08. Harlem Heat (3:05)
09. Once To Every Heart (2:59)
10. Congo Caravan (2:43)
11. Theres Rhythm In Harlem (3:08)
12. Tallahassee (2:35)
13. Waiting In The Garden (2:41)
14. Dinah Lou (2:48)
15. Cotton (3:09)
16. Truckin (2:45)
17. Blue Mood (3:05)
18. E Flat Stride (3:05)
19. Broken Dreams Of You (2:44)
20. Yes! Yes! (2:57)
21. Shoe Shine Boy (2:46)
22. Midnight Ramble (3:00)
23. Red Rhythm (3:08)
24. Everything Is Still Okay (3:17)



Mills Blue Rhythm Band - 1936-1937 {The Chronological Classics, 731} 

The fifth and final Classics CD by the Mills Blue Rhythm Band starts out at the
same high level as the fourth set. With trumpeter Henry Red Allen, trombonist
J.C. Higginbottham, altoist Tab Smith and tenor saxophonist Joe Garland in the
band (pianist Billy Kyle soon joined up as well), along with a solid rhythm
section, the orchestra could swing quite hard, as shown on such numbers as St.
Louis Wiggle Rhythm, Merry-Go-Round, Big Johns Special and Algiers Stomp.
However, by 1937 (when the second half of this CD was recorded), Allen,
Higginbottham and Garland had departed. The music is still worthwhile, with
Smith and young trumpeters Harry Sweets Edison and Charlie Shavers in the band,
but the enthusiasm was starting to drop. Due to the heavy competition from the
many better-known orchestras, the Mills Blue Rhythm Band would soon become a
forgotten part of history, but as the five Classics CDs show, the orchestra did
create quite a bit of worthwhile music in the 1930s.

01. Jes Natchully Lazy (I Was Born That Way) (3:09)
02. St. Louis Wiggle Rhythm (2:59)
03. Merry-Go-Round (2:54)
04. Until The Real Thing Comes Along (3:18)
05. In A Sentimental Mood (2:54)
06. Carry Me Back To Green Pastures (3:11)
07. Balloonacy (3:00)
08. Barrelhouse (3:06)
09. The Moon Is Grinning At Me (3:07)
10. Showboat Shuffle (3:21)
11. Big Johns Special (2:59)
12. Mr. Ghost Goes To Town (3:27)
13. Callin Your Bluff (3:02)
14. Algiers Stomp (3:08)
15. Blue Rhythm Fantasy (3:21)
16. Prelude To A Stomp (3:13)
17. Rhythm Jam (2:48)
18. Jungle Madness (3:09)
19. The Lucky Swing (2:43)
20. Please Pity My Heart (2:51)
21. Lets Get Together (2:51)
22. Jammin For The Jack-Pot (2:30)
23. The Image Of You (2:23)
24. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling (2:31)

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