German saxophonist Claus Jacobi (leading what he calls Cl. W. Jacobi's Bottomland Orchestra) pays tribute to pianist/bandleader/composer
Clarence Williams on this second of two discs. Williams led many exciting small-group record dates in the 1920s and '30s, so Jacobi organized a nonet to perform 19 of those selections on this disc. Most of the material is quite obscure, but it was all recorded by Williams somewhere along the way. Among the key players are cornetist Roland Pilz (who also takes vocals); Matthias Seuffert on clarinet, alto, and tenor; Jochen Muller on alto and clarinet; trombonist Rene Hagmann; and Gunther Andernach on washboard, in addition to the leader tripling on alto, tenor, and clarinet. Among the songs that are revived are "Harlem Rhythm Dance," "Speakeasy," "Shootin' the Pistol," "Mama Stayed Out the Whole Night Long," and "Mountain City Blues." Easily recommended to fans of 1920s jazz. ~ Scott Yanow