The younger sister of the great
stride
pianist
Ralph Sutton
,
Barbara Sutton Curtis
is a fine pianist herself. Her style is gentler than her brother's and a bit more melodic, as shown on this set of unaccompanied solos recorded live in 1987 and 1993. The relaxed set features
Curtis
playing five two-song medleys and 11 other songs, mostly of
swing
-era vintage. Highlights include
"My Fate Is in Your Hands,"
"No Moon at All,"
"Looking at You,"
the
boogie-woogie
"Blues on the Downbeat,"
and a medley of
"Emaline"
and
"He Loves and She Loves."
~ Scott Yanow