The difinitive pop singer of the twenties
that's why they call me shine | 01/14/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sophie Tucker, Lee Morse, Belle Baker, and Jane Green were the best belters, or red hot mamas of the twenties, while Annette Hanshaw and Marion Harris were the jazz singers, but Ruth Etting was the best pop torch singer, and she sang with loads of style, syncopation, and sophistocation. This cd is her very best, for it features her hits as well as peppy numbers that were popular during the day, it also featuers many torch songs. The highlights include Ten Cents A Dance, Hello Baby, If I Could Be With You. Many times even on the torchier numbers she'd sing the 1st chorus straight, and then jazz up the secend. Also there are some fine jazz musicians backing her up, if you're into 20's jazz, you'll recognize them. This cd is difinitive, and if you liek 20's music at all, this is essential."
Great selection of songs
Uomo Universale | 12/29/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album contains a great selection of songs. Most of them are of a ragtime-like style. Etting has a very touching, lethargic voice that effortlessly delivers wistfulness. And there is certainly no lacking of eloquence in her phrasing.
The re-mastering is good overall. However, a few songs have some slight echo effect and I'd rather have them without that. Track No. 14 has skippings."
Sweet Baby Ruth
Rocco R. Seeno | 05/15/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Had never heard Ruth Etting before this CD. My interest was piqued by watching Love Me or Leave Me recently so I got that soundtrack and this disc. WOW! Ruth is FANTASTIC! What a glorious, sweet voice. Doris Day may resemble Ruth Etting (although Jane Powell might have been a better choice, both in appearance and voice) and she has her own style which is not that of the Twenties and Thirties when Ruth was in full bloom. This CD has many electronic glitches: snaps, crackles, and pops from the original sources, but oh, that voice! It really comes through and you can easily forget the recording technique. Luckily, she is miked in the foreground so you can always hear her above the orchestra. Incidentally, some of the arrangements are absolutely outstanding! It appears that the unnamed orchestras and their leaders loved working with her because for the most part, they are superlative. Can't say enough about this disc and I wish we could have available every recording of hers remastered with the latest techniques from the best master sources available. Hearing her glorious voice is worth it. I don't know if the ASV recording (same cover) is identical in sound but do get a Ruth Etting disc. They truly do not make them like this anymore!"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1
