Fats Waller cleanup project

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Revision as of 04:15, 31 December 2023 by Highstrung (talk | contribs)
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This is a project to document and clean up as much of the Fats Waller catalog as possible. Fortunately there are a number of dedicated Waller discographers. Stephen Taylor's book Fats Waller on the Air, and subsequent editions of his "Fats Waller Ultimate Discography" in PDF format, are extremely valuable resources. I have been unable to contact Taylor, whose website fatswaller.org is no longer online, but I was able to find a version of his discography dated 2021-8-10.

Releases that could use attention:

  • The JSP "Complete Recorded Works" boxed sets volumes 2, 5, and 6 need cover art added to fully document recording dates and matrix numbers. I have volumes 1, 3, and 4 and those all have relevant cover art now.:
  • Music Maestro Please (Weton-Wesgram LATA075) has a disc ID but no cover art.
  • Ain't Misbehavin' is a 10 track US release dated 2003, with no label information. Any details would be useful.
  • Ain't Misbehavin' (Australia, SPCD 1036) has a disc ID but no cover art, or release details beyond the country and catalog number.
  • Fats Waller and His Rhythm (disc 1) (Australia, CEL Entertainment CEL 111/3) only has 1 of 2 discs.
  • The Essential Collection (Avid AVC 878) has cover art with recording dates, but lacks matrix numbers to distinguish alternate takes and vocal vs instrumental versions.
  • Lounging at the Waldorf (ABM ABMMCD 1220) has only front cover art, no dates or matrix numbers.
  • Ain't Misbehavin' (SMS 20) has cover art sourced from discogs and ebay but no disc ID. You may have noticed that this is a popular title for Waller compilations.
  • Ain't Misbehavin' (Rockin' Chair) has disc ID and cover art. According to Taylor's discography, it contains the alternate take 1 of Carolina Shout. However, by length it is closer to the master take 2.
  • The Real Fats Waller (RCA 88985305422) is a recent 3 CD set that has only front cover art and no disc IDs.
  • The Indispensable Fats Waller, Volume 9/10 has no cover art nor disc IDs.
  • The Definitive Fats Waller appears to be a compilation of two Stash CDs. It's listed on Amazon with questionable cover art (very low resolution, but 'Volume 1' is visible).
  • Les Génies du Jazz (Atlas JA-CD 2078) has only front cover art, no disc ID.
  • Believe in Miracles (History 203003-302) has disc IDs but only front cover art.