Jazz Crazy Records

An Archive of Early Jazz on 78 RPM

Tag: Mary Lou Williams

  • “Mr. Freddie Blues” – Mary Lou Williams (1938)

    “Mr. Freddie Blues” – Mary Lou Williams (1938)

    Recorded in New York City on September 14, 1938.
    Released as Decca 2797.

    Credits:
    Mary Lou Williams – piano
    Booker Collins – string bass
    Ben Thigpen – drums

  • “Mary’s Special” – Mary Lou Williams (1936) Celesta and Piano Jazz!

    “Mary’s Special” – Mary Lou Williams (1936) Celesta and Piano Jazz!

    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