Pete Johnson Radio Broadcasts Film Soundtracks Alternate Takes (1939-1947) CD

Digitally remastered by Hubert Stowitschek and Gerhard Wessely (Soundborn Studios, Vienna, Austria).

This Pete Johnson CD collects a number of rare recordings from radio airchecks, film soundtracks, radio transcription discs, and unissued alternate takes, featuring the pianist in a variety of settings; the fidelity is surprisingly good on most tracks. His inventive "Bus Robinson Blues," and the lively boogie woogie "Dive Bomber" are piano solos; he's heard with occasional partner Albert Ammons in a revival of their "Boogie Woogie Prayer," as well as an untitled duet and two rehearsals. Johnson accompanies singers Lena Horne and blues great Big Joe Turner, and also with small groups that include Hot Lips Page on trumpet and either Budd Johsnon or Ben Webster on tenor sax. Johnson sits in with Benny Goodman & His Orchestra for "Roll 'Em" (not the Mary Lou Williams piece with the identical name). Several tracks are taken from the soundtrack to the film Boogie Woogie Dream, and unfortunately include dialog, though it is mercifully brief. A nice touch is the inclusion of the various radio announcers; the introduction to a 1940 broadcast is a hilarious parody of the often pompous classical announcers, though long time Metropolitan Opera radio host Milton Cross plays along with the insulting script denouncing boogie woogie as he introduces Johnson and Ammons' "Boogie Woogie Prayer." Detailed liner notes by Konrad Nowakowski, the vintage photographs, and fairly detailed discography add to the value of this recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden

Recorded between 1939 and 1947. Includes liner notes by Axel Zwingenberger and Konrad Nowakowski.

Personnel: Pete Johnson (piano); Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Big Joe Turner (vocals); Ernest Ashley, Jimmy Shirley, Nappy Lamare (guitar); Albert Nicholas, Barney Bigard, Benny Goodman (clarinet); Don Stovall, Les Robinson, Hymie Schertzer (alto saxophone); Eddie Miller, Ben Webster, Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Noni Bernardi, Hank Wayland, Abe Bolar (baritone saxophone); Chris Griffin , Irving Goodman, Emmett Berry, Shorty Sherock, Ziggy Elman (trumpet); Clyde Bernhardt, Jack Teagarden, Vernon Brown, Benny Morton, Red Ballard (trombone); Teddy Wilson (piano); Buddy Schutz, J.C. Heard, Johnny Otis, Nick Fatool, Jack Parker (drums).

Recording information: Chicago, IL (01/31/1939-??/??/1947); Hollywood, CA (01/31/1939-??/??/1947); Los Angeles, CA (01/31/1939-??/??/1947); New York, NY (01/31/1939-??/??/1947).

Personnel includes: Pete Johnson (piano); Big Joe Turner, Lena Horne, Etta Jones (vocals); Don Byas, Ben Webster (tenor saxophone); Hot Lips Page (trumpet); Jack Teagarden, Benny Morton (trombone); Benny Goodman, Barney Bigard (clarinet); Teddy Wilson (piano, celeste); Albert Ammons (piano); J.C. Heard (drums), Cab Calloway.

1939-1947