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Disc 1:

1. Ain't Misbehavin' - Fats Waller, Brooks, Harry
2. Honeysuckle Rose - Fats Waller, Razaf, Andy
3. Handful of Keys - Fats Waller, Horwitz, Murray
4. I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby (And My Baby's Crazy 'Bout Me) - Fats Waller, Hill, Alex [1]
5. Smashing Thirds - Fats Waller, Waller, Fats
6. The Joint Is Jumpin' - Fats Waller, Johnson, J.C.
7. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now - Fats Waller, Razaf, Andy
8. Squeeze Me - Fats Waller, Williams, Clarence
9. Honeysuckle Rose - Fats Waller, Razaf, Andy
10. All That Meat and No Potatoes - Fats Waller, Kirkeby, Ed
11. The Jitterbug Waltz - Fats Waller, Maltby, Richard Jr.
12. I Ain't Got Nobody - Fats Waller, Graham, Roger
13. Lulu's Back in Town - Fats Waller, Dubin, Al
14. I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter - Fats Waller, Young, Joe
15. Somebody Stole My Gal - Fats Waller, Wood, Leo
16. It's a Sin to Tell a Lie - Fats Waller, Mayhew, Billy
17. The Sheik of Araby - Fats Waller, Smith, Harry [2] Be
18. Two Sleepy People - Fats Waller, Loesser, Frank
19. A Good Man Is Hard to Find - Fats Waller, Green, Eddie [1]
20. Your Feet's Too Big - Fats Waller, Benson, Ada

Rating: - Thanks for smashing those thirds
If I get to heaven Fats would be one of the first people I'd look up. His music is a real joy - it always puts me in a good mood. This is one of those rare albums where every song is great!

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Rating: - A True American Master
This compilation is, in effect, a reissue of earlier Bluebird compilations; nevertheless, it is a fine selection of Thomas Waller. It's as good as the Time-Life LPs in presenting Waller, who is unfortunately dismissed as merely popular a pianist or quaint curiosity. There wasn't anyone writing popular lyrics in the 30s and 40s that had his gift for invention and for melody, to say nothing of the command of his playing and singing. And that certainly includes the Gershwins. Nor was there anyone as prolific--Fats tossed away pop masterpieces (or sold them to hacks for ready cash). What I love about him is the sense of whimsy and the mother wit and satire in the face of the purely commercial aspects of Tin Pan Alley and American racism of his time. He inverts the crass nonsense that the label foists on him and makes it his own with the irony that comes from genius beset by idiocy and the joy that comes from genius celebrating its gifts. This compilation of Bluebird material is representative, and it's a worthy introduction to one of America's musical geniuses. Despite Ken Burns' virtual dismissal, you can't get away from Fats. Just listen to Prairie Home Companion. Better yet, listen to this CD. Go find some others. Read Eudora Welty's short story called "Powerhouse." Then hear Pops play Fats.

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Rating: - *Fats, Bright & Brilliant*
Fats Waller was a brilliant stride pianist, fun singer, and all around great entertainer. This nicely-priced disc features a great selection of colorful, lively tunes with excellent sound quality. The recording dates range from 1929 to 1943.

The music of Fats combines astounding jazz virtuosity with a fun, swingin' mood that even the musically illiterate can enjoy. Just check out the jam-session version of Honeysuckle Rose and then the solo piano version of the same tune to witness the breadth of the man's talent. Waller was a great composer as well, and the first eleven tunes featured were either authored or co-authored by Fats. Some great jazz names show up throughout the course of the disc, including Benny Carter, Slam Stewart, Bunny Berigan, and Tommy Dorsey, and the performances within never result in anything short of pure aural joy. We are also treated to four solo pieces by Fats, played with such richness and exuberance that his piano sounds like an entire band. Not only is this a collection of important music by a true jazz giant, it also makes a great soundtrack for your hipper shindigs. Check it out.