Charles Melvin “Cootie” Williams was a jazz trumpeter, born in Mobile Alabama in 1911, who enjoyed a lengthy career as a sideman and bandleader, and was especially renowned for his associations with Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. This collection takes its title “Concerto For Cootie” from a tune Duke Ellington composed in his honour. This collection is designed as a companion to a new biography of Cootie written by noted US writer and jazz researcher Steve Bowie which is being published by the University Press of Mississippi at the end of 2024. Mr. Bowie has researched, compiled and annotated this 93-track 4-CD collection, which comprises recordings made by Cootie across the first three decades and more of his career, and which represent his most important and most highly-regarded performances and collaborations. While well known for his solos with plunger muted trumpet, this collection also highlights Williams range and versatility and virtuosity in his open trumpet and lead work. Inevitably, it features recordings made with many of the greatest names in jazz, swing and R&B, including not only Ellington and Goodman, but Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker, Pearl Bailey, Bud Powell, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Rex Stewart, Johnny Hodges and many more. There have been very few products of this substance devoted specifically to Cootie Williams, so this will be a welcome addition offering an insight into his music and a varied and fascinating showcase for his huge contribution to the genre.
