The Boswell Sisters

If it weren't for The Boswell Sisters, close-harmonizing vocal groups would all still sound like barbershop quartets. The three New Orleans-born sisters never seem to have been satisfied with a song until they had practically put it through a meat grinder, but the results of their creativity are much more appetizing than the average pound of ground beef. This is a collection of early 30's masters, including versions of swing era classic songs as well as appearances by top notch players such as trumpeter Bunny Berigan and violinist Joe Venuti. Even his nibs Benny Goodman puts in an appearance although he never seems to climb out of the lower register, perhaps a shocked reaction to the sisters' crooning. Listeners should bring a magnifying glass to their date with the liner notes; instrumentalists and recording dates are provided but no information as to composers. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide