Sir Roland Hanna & Carrie Smith

Sir Roland Hanna & Carrie Smith: I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues: The Songs of Harold Arlen

by C. Michael Bailey
March 1, 2003

Three types of creative authority, each springing from the same muse, characterize this disc. One is the vocal authority of Ms. Carrie Smith. The second is the piano talent of the late Sir Roland Hanna. And finally, the third is the lyric prowess of Mr. Harold Arlen.

A blues singer with a jazz singer's soul, Carrie Smith's conversational style and masculine sense of humor are a commanding presence on this disc. No better is this illustrated than on ...