Longtime viewers of the channel know that I love Mary Lou Williams and her work with Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds of Joy – and that I love it when jazzers play the celesta. This record has both in copious amounts!
A small combo of guitar, bass, and drums (all compatriots of Mary’s in the Kirk band) accompanies Mary Lou on her composition “Mary’s Special”. While she starts off on piano, At 0:46 she switches to celesta – and switches back-and-forth throughout the rest of the song!
An absolutely delightful number!
Recorded in New York City on April 9, 1936.
Released as Decca 781.
Credits:
Mary Lou Williams – piano, celesta
Ted Robinson (?) – guitar
Booker Collins – string bass
Ben Thigpen – drums
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