Vol. 6: 1929

by Scott YanowAlthough often overlooked in jazz history books, Annette Hanshaw was one of the finest singers of the late '20s/early '30s. For proof of this assertion, Volume 6 of Sensation's ten CD Hanshaw series can prove as evidence. Just 18 at the time, the singer is heard in peak form throughout this set and, unlike in Volume 5, there are only four numbers recorded with the Hawaiian steel guitar group of Frank Ferera. Classic renditions of "A Precious Little Thing Called Love," "Mean to Me," "Lover Come Back to Me," "Big City Blues," "My Sin," "I Get the Blues When It Rains," "I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling," "Am I Blue," "Daddy, Won't You Please Come Honme," "True Blue Lou," and "Lovable and Sweet" (all of which are given definitive treatment) are included among the 24 songs. Hanshaw's lovely voice and swinging style are uplifted by jazz-oriented backup groups that include Jimmy Dorsey (on clarinet and alto), trumpeter Phil Napoleon, and Tommy Dorsey (normally a trombonist, heard here on trumpet).