“Mary’s Idea” is an invigorating Mary Lou Williams composition performed by the Kansas City-based Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy. This session finds the band coming off a long series of engagements out East at the Roseland Ballroom. Savoy Ballroom and Apollo Theater. They sound super tight and they fly through this unique proto-swing arrangement like a well-oiled machine.
Lots of brief beautiful moments of inspired solos throughout – though curiously, the composer herself does not take a piano solo.
Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on May 1, 1930.
Released as Brunswick 4863.
Credits:
Andy Kirk – director, bass sax, tuba
Edgar Battle, Harry Lawson – trumpet
Allen Durham – trombone
John Harrington – clarinet, alto sax
John Williams – alto sax, baritone sax
Lawrence Freeman – tenor sax
Claude Williams – violin
Mary Lou Williams – piano, arranger
William Dirvin – guitar
Edward McNeil – drums
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