Friday, September 23, 2011

Alberta Hunter: Remember My Name (1978)


Columbia JS 35553

Alberta Hunter was a renowned singer in the 1920's and 30's who left music to become a nurse but returned to performing in her eighties. There are numerous CD compilations of her early work, but only two CDs of her later work: Downhearted Blues, a live recording from 1981, and Amtrak Blues, a studio album from 1978.

This 1978 LP, which allmusic calls "her definitive late-period album," is not on CD. This was a thrift store find (99¢), in good but not great shape.

From allmusic: "Although the cover on this album makes it look as if this is a soundtrack album (the singer had written several songs for the film "Remember My Name"), this is actually an important studio set."

This album was released on CD February 12, 2013. The sample tracks have been removed.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Guitar Artistry of Liona Boyd (1976)


London Records CS 7068

I wasn't familiar with Liona Boyd when I saw this LP at the thrift shop, nor am I qualified to judge the merits of her playing, but this LP, her second, introduced me to some new pieces. The LP is in good shape, with the original shrink wrap. It is not on CD.

From the LP: "'...highly imaginative playing...flawless technique...' - Stereo Review"

From "All Music Guide to Classical Music":


Lauro: Andreina

Bach: Concerto No. 5 in F minor, Arioso

Mussorgsky: The Old Castle

Sagreras: Una Lagrima

Bach: Sonata No.2 in A minor, Andante

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Tom T. Hall: For the People in the Last Hard Town (1973)


Mercury 0598

This album, though it contains Tom T. Hall's biggest hit ("I Love"), is not on CD. "Pay No Attention to Alice," "Subdivision Blues," and "I Love" all appear on various compilation CDs, however.

This was a thrift shop find (99¢), in excellent condition inside and out. Some great musicians play on the record, including Vassar Clements, Charlie McCoy, and others.

Joe, Don't Let Your Music Kill You

Back When We Were Young

Last Hard Town

I Know Who I'll Be Seeing in New Zealand

(All selections written by Tom T. Hall)