The Boswell Sisters

The fourth of five Nostalgia Arts CDs that reissue all of the Boswell Sisters' studio recordings starts out with a couple alternate takes taken from medleys ("California Medley" and "O.K. America") that have guest appearances by vocalists Chick Bullock, Sid Gary, Fran Frey, and the Mills Brothers. Then, after three classic performances from 1932 ("We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye," "Sleep, Come on and Take Me," and "Down Among the Sheltering Palms"), this CD concentrates on the Boswell's records of 1933-1934. With fine backing on various tracks by the Dorsey Brothers, trumpeters Bunny Berigan and Manny Klein, Benny Goodman, and Jimmie Greer's Orchestra, the premiere jazz vocal group of the era swings on memorable versions of "Forty-Second Street," "That's How Rhythm Was Born," "If I Had a Million Dollars," and "Dinah." Not all of the selections are gems ("It's Sunday Down in Caroline" and "Swanee Mammy," to name two), but Connie, Martha, and Vet Boswell are heard throughout in prime form. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide