Teddy Wilson

Teddy Wilson is represented by recordings made both early and late in his career in this compilation of tracks from four different Storyville CDs. The first five selections are piano solos made circa 1939-1940 for Associated Transcriptions, three of which are originals by Wilson, while the familiar approach to "Lady Be Good" shows off his use of tenths in swinging fashion. The next five tracks feature Wilson leading an all-star sextet with trumpeter Emmett Berry, trombonist Benny Morton, clarinetist Edmond Hall, bassist Slam Stewart and drummer Sid Catlett, a group he formed following the breakup of his big band. Highlights include the lively arrangement of "Flying Home" that showcases each of the bandmembers (except Catlett) and Wilson's catchy riff tune "B-Flat Swing." Six pieces from The Noble Art of Teddy Wilson feature the pianist with bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and drummer William Schiopffe in a 1968 studio session, which includes Fats Waller's "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling" and a lush take of "Prelude to a Kiss." The final six songs are from a 1980 session in Copenhagen culled from Teddy Wilson Revisits the Goodman Years, with bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Ed Thigpen. The jaunty "Keeping out of Mischief Now" and fluid take of "I'll Remember April" are outstanding examples of Wilson late in his career, even though his style had not changed significantly over the decades. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide