The Last Betty's Commercial Recordings
Bruce K. Hanson | Petersburg, VA | 07/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are not a fan of Betty Hutton read no further. For this excellent CD is the last of Hutton's commercial recordings to be released on this format. (Actually, "A Concert in the Park", a 1939 RCA recording is the only record left now that has not been issued on CD.) Mind you, Betty's voice is deeper and huskier than you might be accustomed to from her first contract with Capitol Records in the mid forties but she is accompanied by Nelson Riddle on several of the recordings. Also, these particular recordings are quite rare and difficult to find in their original 45 rpm formats as well as LP. "Bannana Boat" and "Hit the Road to Dreamland" are the best but it is fun to have her other other recordings with Tennesee Ernie Ford and her only duets with her sister, Marion Hutton. The sound quality is excellent ("Saints and Sinners" is in stereo!); the liner notes upbeat and informative; and the photos are plentiful. Please note that I lent a couple of sides for this CD but tat is as far as my contribution. It's great to have this new CD to complete the Betty Hutton catalogue."