Downhearted Blues
Few singers have a story as long and varied as that of Alberta Hunter, whose career spanned most of the 20th century. From the dawn of the classic blues era, through two world wars, a long hiatus, and a fresh start shortly before her death in 1984, Hunter stuck to the rich vocals, full expression, and classical style. Although this recording was made during her 80s, when she came out of retirement to sing at the Cookery in Greenwich Village, her voice, having lessened some in power, had lost none of its charm. The woman who counted such legends asBessie Smith,Mamie Smith, andMa Raineyamong her contemporaries, and who wrote Bessie Smith's classic hit "Downhearted Blues," here delivers an appealing set of classic blues, including a stunning rendition of "I Got Rhythm."--Genevieve Williams