Rare Jazz And Blues Piano (1927-1937)

Despite the title of this CD, the emphasis in the music is more on the male vaudeville singers who are featured than their accompanying pianists. There are four songs apiece featuring singers “Talking” Billy Anderson and Scottie Nesbitt, and Billy Mitchell sings six good-time, mildly risqué numbers, including “Two Old Maids,” “Looking for a Cherry,” and “A Hole in One.” Oliver Brown From New Orleans accompanies himself on piano for two numbers, and the vocal duo of Whistling Bob Howe and Frankie Griggs perform “The Coldest Stuff in Town” and “The Hottest Stuff in Town.” Best known is singer/pianist Lil “Diamonds” Hardaway, who sings six duets with Old Ced Odom. Obviously none of this music is essential, but there are some fun and surprising moments along the way, making this a worthwhile acquisition by 1920s collectors. – Scott Yanow