Sir Roland Hanna - I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues

All Music Guide

Although pianist Sir Roland Hanna gets first billing (since it is alphabetical), he shares this set with singer Carrie Smith. Together they interpret a dozen songs written by Harold Arlen; all well-known standards. Smith initially gained recognition for her ability to emulate Bessie Smith a bit, but on this date she is a lighter-toned swing singer whose subtle creativity uplifts the familiar songs. Hanna, on one of his final recordings, functions as both Smith's accompanist and as a full orchestra by himself. The duo's versions of such tunes as "When The Sun Comes Out," "Ill Wind," "Let's Fall In Love," "Blues In The Night," and "It's Only A Paper Moon" work quite well, sounding both respectful to the past and fairly fresh. The results are quite enjoyable.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide