AMG Review of Boswell Sisters Collection, Vol. 5, 1933-1936

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

The fifth and final Nostalgia Arts CD in the label's Boswell Sisters series starts off with alternate versions of the group's "O.K. America" and "Coffee in the Morning" and then consists of their 20 final recordings. While the interpretations became more conservative in 1935-1936 (due to record company executives wanting to hear the melody emphasized more than previously), the music is still quite enjoyable. The Boswell Sisters, one of the truly great jazz vocal groups, only broke up in 1936 when each of the sisters got married and Connie was the only one opting to continue as a singer. Among the highlights of this disc (all five in the series are highly recommended) include "Darktown Strutters Ball," "The Object of My Affection," "St. Louis Blues," and "Lullaby of Broadway."