Alberta Hunter - Amtrak Blues

* 1 The Darktown Strutters' Ball - 5:23 * 2 Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out - 3:50 * 3 I've Having a Good Time - 2:38 * 4 Always - 3:44 * 5 My Handy Man Ain't Handy No More - 3:49 * 6 Amtrak Blues - 3:24 * 7 Old Fashioned Love - 4:14 * 8 Sweet Georgia Brown - 4:12 * 9 A Good Man Is Hard to Find - 3:59 * 10 I've Got a Mind to Ramble - 4:13

Alberta Hunter's second recording since launching her remarkable comeback (she was 83 when this album was cut) finds the veteran blues singer (a survivor of the 1920s) still in surprisingly strong form and full of spirit. Such songs as "Darktown Strutters' Ball," "My Handy Man," "Old Fashioned Love" and "I've Got a Mind to Ramble" are given fine treatment by Hunter, who is joined by the Gerald Cook quartet, trombonist Vic Dickenson, trumpeter Doc Cheatham and tenorman Frank Wess on various tracks. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi

These 'standards' are anything but; Alberta Hunter's versions are unbeatable. She has that kind of voice and rhythm that seem so natural and yet, like Billie Holiday, defy the human range thus placing her in the pantheon of jazz greats. She is earthy yet refined and completely in touch with the band, she moans and cries at places that you'll find yourself wondering how she got there. "Darktown Strutters Ball", "Georgia Brown" and the intensely down and dirty "My Handyman" are sensual, comic and dramatically original-your body will react- guaranteed. Unpredictably fresh, this late great senior citizen packs all she's got and all we need, right in to each piece. I have given this CD as a gift to many people and they have all been smitten and grateful. Decidedly worthwhile.

Price: $19.98