Western Swing Chronicles, Vol. 4: 1933-1938
This CD showcases the extraordinary talents of the two bands O'Daniel ran, the Light Crust Doughboys (1933-35) and the Hillbilly Boys (1935-38). Included among them are honey-toned vocalist Leon Huff, hot fiddlers Kenneth Pitts and Carroll Hubbard, and the soothing western tones of 'Texas Rose' (Kitty Williamson, western swing's first female vocalist). The songs were a zesty combination of Tin Pan Alley standards, hoedowns, Jimmie Rodgers blues, and hot jazz instrumentals. With infectious rhythms, uptown vocals, and superb musicianship, the O'Daniel groups rivaled those of the top bands in the Southwest, including Milton Brown's Musical Brownies and Bob Wills' Texas Playboys.