Spitball Army

Fats Waller, in recordings, is hilarious. He is suggestive, sometimes nearly raunchy. He talks as much as he sings, and in mock conversational tones – sort of like Rex Harrison at times, but without the stuffy British veneer; he’s all barroom and boudoir.

He was a prolific composer and a master at the stride style of piano playing.

I have told a few people over the years that his is the music that makes me happiest, and that is no lie. I listen to him whenever I need a boost and am taking things too seriously. His music and his voice are mood elevators. And just look at that face.

Approximate playing time: 78 minutes.

1. Honeysuckle Rose  (1934)
2. Georgia on My Mind  (1937)
3. Too Tired  (1940)
4. A Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid  (1934)
5. By the Light of the Silvery Moon  (1942)
6. I Wish I Were Twins  (1934)
7. Come and Get It  (1941)
8. If It Isn’t Love  (1934)
9. You Run Your Mouth, I’ll Run My Business  (1940)
10. On the Sunny Side of the Street  (1937)
11. Your Feet’s Too Big  (1939)
12. Mandy  (1934)
13. I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter  (1935)
14. Dinah  (1935)
15. Hold Tight  (1939)
16. Why Do Hawaiians Sing Aloha?  (1937)
17. Ain’t Misbehavin’  (1943)
18. Let’s Pretend There’s a Moon  (1934)
19. Hey! Stop Kissin’ My Sister  (1940)
20. ‘Tain’t What You Do (It’s the Way that You Do It)  (1939)
21. You’re Not the Only Oyster in the Stew  (1934)
22. Two Sleepy People  (1938)
23. ‘Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do  (1940)
24. It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie  (1936)
25. My Very Good Friend the Milkman  (1935)