EVERY TRACK IS A DELIGHT

     

 A new CD devoted to Annette Hanshaw is a cause for celebration, particularly one that quite literally spans her recording career. My introduction to her came by way of two World Record Club LPs, which covered 1928-31, and CD reissues have tended also to concentrate on particular periods. So I suppose some duplication was inevitable, but more obscure items are included also, such as three tracks with Frank Ferera's Hawaiian Trio. Elsewhere the accompaniments feature the cream of New York's studio musicians, then struggling to weather the Depression, many of whom went on to become household names. Annette had a very clear natural singing voice which suffused the lyrics with a sweet innocence, and which together with her relaxed delivery is a delight to listen to. Sound quality is excellent and, despite its budget price, the CD is attractively packaged in a slip-case, carries good track details, and a comprehensive liner note by Peter Dempsey.