Customer Reviews
It will be cut - By: R. L. Barnes, 29 Jun 2004 
You get a lot of tracks for your money so I do not mind that when I put it on mini disc, I will leave quite a lot off, some tracks date more than others. The good stuff will fill a 75 minute disc quite nicely.
Not actually the ultimate Fats Waller collection... - By: Mr. P. Strand, 03 Mar 2004 
I doubt that the compilers of this collection have a very good understanding of Fats Waller's work & art, because on these two CD's you'll find not only some of his best recordings, but also some of his less engaging performances. It's a hotch-potch collection, seemingly put together without much thought. Overall, the music is at the very least good, often exciting & occasionally absolutely fantastic. As far as I know, there is no "ultimate collection" of Fats Waller's music available at the moment, only more or less interesting collections of "hits", although the 4-CD box from Proper Records is probably your best bet at the moment if what you want is just a collection of some of Fats Waller's best recordings. This particular collection is as good (or bad) as any other out there. If you're a serious & dedicated fan of Fats, however, look no further than the new series of Fats Waller's complete recordings under way, with three 4-CD boxes so far available from JSP records......
Fats Waller, King of Stride - By: , 14 Oct 2003 
Quite simply, Fats Waller is a piano-playing genius who will also make you laugh with his irrepressible sense of fun. If you appreciate what it takes to play the piano you will be left all the more astounded by the brilliance of what he could achieve with just two hands. Well, yes, I like him, but this record is good value for money if you are into jazz, & if you like stride piano - BUY! BUY! BUY!
The Ultimate Collection. - By: Mr Rob Dodson, 25 Jun 2002 This collection of songs is a great accompaniment as background music, & delightful & relaxing to listen to on your own or whilst busy with something else.
Fats tones & tunes are distinct & melodious. Material ranges from downright lamentable to outstanding & Waller's treatment of it ranges from brusque to brilliant combining effervescent swing, sparkling piano technique & wickedly humourous vocals.
If the world of jazz has ever produced a more irresistible, irrepressible, unpredictable, captivating figure than Thomas "Fats" Waller, I can't imagine who it would have been. Even more than fifty years after his death, his style, joyin life, & exuberance continues to pull us away from our worries & reminds us, once again, that good humour is still powerfull medicine.
Usually remembered as a genial clown, he is of lasting importance as one of the greatest of all jazz pianists & as a gifted songwriter, whose workin both fields was rhythmically contagious.
The Ultimate Collection is host to a wide range of Fats music from the staccato of New Orleans-style jazz towards the swing sound. A terrific bargai. Well worth the price.
