The Classics label, out of France, sometimes referred to as "Jazz Chronological Classics," issued this CD in 1998. The Spirits of Rhythm were vocalists of the "jive" tradition, who could sing scat with the best of them. This collection follows the Spirits from their heyday in the 1930s through personnel changes in the 1940s, and includes 7 tracks where they back either Red McKenzie or Ella Logan.
The Spirits originally consisted of Leo Watson, Wilbur Daniels, Douglas Daniels, Teddy Bunn and Virgil Scoggins. This aggregation produced the 24 October and 20 November 1933 recording sessions. Bassist Wilson Myers joined the group beginning with the 6 December 1933 session. In 1941, Scoggins and Myers had left the group, and Wellman Braud was playing bass. The final Spirits of Rhythm session in January of 1945 featured a new lineup - only Leo Watson and Teddy Bunn remained from the original group, augmented by Leonard Feather, Ulysses Livingston, Red Callender, and Georgie Vann.
Even though the McKenzie sides ooze "corn," this package is still recommended listening for all who are interested in the roots of vocal group harmony. The Spirits of Rhythm were among the progenitors of what was to become the "jump" side of of the Rock 'N' Roll tradition.
Track listing:
1. I Got Rhythm (24 Oct 1933)
2. Nobody's Sweetheart (20 Nov 1933)
3. I Got Rhythm (20 Nov 1933)
4. I've Got The World On A String (20 Nov 1933)
5. Rhythm (20 Nov 1933)
6. I'll Be Ready When The Great Day Comes (6 Dec 1933)
7. My Old Man (6 Dec 1933)
8. 'Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Red McKenzie & the Spirits of Rhythm - (11 Sep 1934)
9. I've Got The World On A String - Red McKenzie & the Spirits of Rhythm - (11 Sep 1934)
10. From Monday On - Red McKenzie & the Spirits of Rhythm - (11 Sep 1934)
11. As Long As I Live - Red McKenzie & the Spirits of Rhythm - (11 Sep 1934)
12. Junk Man (14 Sep 1934)
13. Dr. Watson And Mr. Holmes (14 Sep 1934)
14. That's What I Hate About You (14 Sep 1934)
15. Shoutin' In The Amen Corner (14 Sep 1934)
16. It's A Long, Long Way From Tipperary - Ella Logan & the Spirits of Rhythm - (4 Sep 1941)
17. I Woke Up With A Teardrop In My Eye - Ella Logan & the Spirits of Rhythm - (4 Sep 1941)
18. From Monday On - Ella Logan & the Spirits of Rhythm - (4 Sep 1941)
19. Walkin' This Town (4 Sep 1941)
20. We've Got The Blues (4 Sep 1941)
21. Honeysuckle Rose (Honey-Sock-Me-On-The-Nose) (24 Jan 1945)
22. Scattin' The Blues (24 Jan 1945)
23. Suspicious Blues (24 Jan 1945)
24. She Ain't No Saint (24 Jan 1945)
25. Last Call Blues (24 Jan 1945)
26. Coquette (Chicken Croquette) (24 Jan 1945)
