This CD is comprised of the very first Piano Jazz radio show and, although interesting to hear once, it does not invite repeated listenings.
Marian McPartland sounds nervous and she constantly interrupts
Mary Lou Williams's talking while
Williams seems quite uptight in spots. There is some good playing by
Williams (mostly duets with bassist
Ronnie Boykins with
McPartland occasionally joining in) but overall this set is mostly a historical curiosity. Fortunately
Marian McPartland would improve quickly as a host and most of the other CDs in this valuable series are more easily recommended than this debut effort. ~ Scott Yanow