Wild Bill Davis - Doin His Thing '1969

Tracks list

Wild Bill Davis was the top cat among organists prior to the rise of Jimmy Smith
in 1956. He could be credited for taking the instrument from the swing era into
the R&B infected jazz of the early ‘50’s, and was a pioneer in the
organ trio format. He could swing like crazy, grind out dirty blues, or could
play in a laid back easy listening style.
He originally played guitar and wrote arrangements for Milt Larkins legendary
band during 1939-42. Davis also played piano with Louis Jordans Tympany Five
(1945- 49) before switching to organ in 1950 and heading his own influential
organ/guitar/drums trios. Together with guitarist Floyd Smith and drummer Chris
Columbus, Davis set the framework for the jazz organ combo sound.

In addition to working with his own groups in the 1960s, Davis made several
albums with his friend Johnny Hodges, leading to tours during 1969-71 with Duke
Ellington. He was featured organist on “Blue for New Orleans,” from
“New Orleans Suite.”

In the 70s he recorded for Black & Blue with a variety of swing all-stars,
including a stellar dates with tenor man Buddy Tate, bluesman Memphis Slim, and
played with Lionel Hampton, appearing at festivals through the early 90s.

He held an enduring tenure at Atlantic City’s Little Belmont club, where
he played every summer from the ‘50’s to the ‘90’s.

He died in 1995 during convalescence following a road accident.

Tracklist:
01 - Wild Bill Davis - Weasels Kid (2:44)
02 - Wild Bill Davis - Londonderry Air (2:21)
03 - Wild Bill Davis - Cherry Orchard (3:27)
04 - Wild Bill Davis - Bo Bee Ba Bill (3:17)
05 - Wild Bill Davis - The Groaner (3:13)
06 - Wild Bill Davis - Generator (2:38)
07 - Wild Bill Davis - Dinah (2:17)
08 - Wild Bill Davis - Deedle Lum Bum (2:49)
09 - Wild Bill Davis - Dreaming By the Fire (2:44)
10 - Wild Bill Davis - Puss In Boots (2:26)
11 - Wild Bill Davis - Funny Thing (2:37)

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