Ten 10" albums I still play (occasionally). 10. Joe Sullivan Plays Fats Waller

Number 10 was going to be Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning but, as there are two volumes - both great - to select one over the other would be akin to favouring one twin over the other plus, as recently as last year, I picked up a 12" album that contained both volumes so Frank had to go. Not too far away, however, as a future project in the pipeline may well be my favourite ten Sinatra albums.

Eventually, after much deliberation, I opted for another piano album, one that's stylistically far removed from Bud Powell  even though only 5 years separated the recordings and Powell's was the earlier one. 

Joe Sullivan was one of the great overlooked jazz pianists and here he plays the music of another great - Fats Waller. Eight lesser known tunes by Waller with, dare I risk being accused of blasphemy if I say that they have the added advantage of being heard without the composer's vocals or should I just hush my mouth?!

Suffice to say, Sullivan does them justice.

Bob Casey plays, and occasionally, solos on bass whilst George Wettling, is relatively subdued - if indeed he is present. The sleeve merely states "with rhythm accompaniment" although there are occasional percussive noises that signifies that the old Condon stickman is around.

It's a simple album but one which, in it's own way, is as listenable as any by the piano hotshots past, present and future (I've just bought a crystal ball!)

Listen to If You Can't be Good, be Careful.

Phillips BBR 8091.

Lance