Take 5 With Andy Kirk

One of the bands from Kansas City that many remember with fondness with Andy Kirk and the Clouds of Joy. A popular swing band of the thirties into the forties the bands' sound was attributable to the piano and arranging skills of Mary Lou Williams as well as the marvelous tenor sax of Dick Wilson. Balladeer Pha Terrell was also popular with the sides with his vocals selling many copies. This week we sample five choice recordings by this fabled band.

We start with the band's theme, Mary Lou Williams' "Walkin' and Swingin'."

Next up is Williams' arrangement of "Moten Swing," which arguably is the finest version of this song other than the Benny Moten Band's original.

Arguably their biggest hot was "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" with Pha Terrell's memorable crooning.

The band celebrated Williams with "The Lady Who Swings The Band."

We close this Take 5 with a feature for guitarist Floyd Smith, "Floyd's Guitar Blues."