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“Willie “The Lion” Smith, one of stride piano’s Big Three of the 1920s (along with James P. Johnson and Fats Waller), recorded a lot less than his two friends. In fact, with the exception of two selections apiece with the Gulf Coast Seven in 1925 (which features trombonist Jimmy Harrison and clarinetist Buster Bailey) and 1927’s Georgia Strutters (starring singer Perry Bradford, Harrison, and cornetist Jabbo Smith), along with the rare and originally unreleased 1934 solo piano showcase “Finger Buster,” this CD does not get started until 1935. Smith’s Decca recordings of 1935 and 1937 were formerly quite obscure, showcasing his piano with three different versions of “His Cubs.” The Lion is heard with a Clarence Williams-type quartet which includes cornetist Ed Allen and clarinetist Cecil Scott, matched up with trumpeter Dave Nelson and clarinetist Buster Bailey in a septet; and temporarily heading an early version of the John Kirby Sextet on a session dominated by drummer O’Neil Spencer’s vocals. Highlights of this historic and enjoyable CD include “Santa Claus Blues,” “Keep Your Temper,” “Blues, Why Don’t You Let Me Alone,” and the earliest recording of the Lion’s most famous composition, “Echo of Spring.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic.

Track listing:

01. Santa Claus Blues (0:00)
02. Keep Your Temper (2:59)
03. Rock, Jenny, Rock (5:58)
04. It’s Right Here for You (8:39)
05. Finger Buster (11:17)
06. There’s Gonna Be the Devil to Pay (14:11)
07. Streamline Gal (17:09)
08. What Can I Do with a Foolish Little Girl Like You? (19:41)
09. Harlem Joys (22:32)
10. Echo of Spring (25:10)
11. Breeze (Blow My Baby Back to Me) (27:50)
12. Swing, Brother, Swing (30:43)
13. Sittin’ at the Table (Opposite You) (33:35)
14. The Swampland Is Calling Me (36:06)
15. More Than That (39:04)
16. I’m All Out of Breath (41:58)
17. I Can See You All over the Place (45:06)
18. Get Acquainted with Yourself (48:13)
19. Knock Wood (51:03)
20. Peace, Brother, Peace (53:33)
21. The Old Stomping-Ground (56:21)
22. Blues, Why Don’t You Let Me Alone (59:41)
23. I’ve Got to Think It Over (1:02:58)

Personnel:

Alto Saxophone – Pete Brown (2) (tracks: 18 to 23)
Alto Saxophone, Violin – Edgar Sampson (tracks: 3, 4)
Banjo – Buddy Christian (tracks: 1, 2), Gus Horsley (tracks: 3, 4)
Bass – Ellsworth Reynolds (tracks: 14 to 17), John Kirby (tracks: 18 to 23)
Brass Bass – Bill Benford (tracks: 1, 2), Harry Hull (tracks: 3, 4)
Clarinet – Cecil Scott (tracks: 6 to 13), Herschel Brassfield (tracks: 3, 4)
Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Buster Bailey (tracks: 1, 2, 14 to 23)
Cornet – Ed Allen (tracks: 6 to 13), Jabbo Smith (tracks: 3, 4), June Clark (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums – “Jazz” Carson (tracks: 1, 2), Eric Henry (3) (tracks: 14 to 17), O’Neil Spencer (tracks: 18 to 23), Unknown Artist (tracks: 3, 4)
Guitar – Jimmy McLin (tracks: 14 to 23)
Liner Notes [July 1992] – Anatol Schenker
Piano – Willie “The Lion” Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Prince Robinson (tracks: 1, 2), Robert Carroll (tracks: 14 to 17)
Trombone – Jimmy Harrison (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Dave Nelson (4) (tracks: 14 to 17), Frank Newton (tracks: 18 to 23)
Vocals – O’Neil Spencer (tracks: 18 to 21, 23), Willie “The Lion” Smith (tracks: 11)
Vocals, Directed By – Perry Bradford (tracks: 3, 4)
Washboard – Willie Williams (9) (tracks: 6 to 13)

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Label: Classics (11) – CLASSICS 662
Series: The Classics Chronological Series – 662
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: France
Released: 1992