New releases for January 2008: Jo Stafford, Roy Acuff, Commander Cody, Ricky Nelson
Jo Stafford - Her Greatest Hits (4 CD set; JSP 950)
Another fabulous box set from the UK-based JSP label. Jo Stafford was one of the greatest singers of American standards, period. Here are 108 of her most memorable recordings, along with annotations and a discography.
Roy Acuff King of the Hillbillies, Vol. 1 (4 CD set; JSP 7799)
JSP does it again, collecting together country legend Roy Acuff’s first 100 commercial recordings — some never reissued beyond their original release in the 1930s. Includes annotations and a discography.
Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen - The Early Years 1967-1970 (2 CD set; Blue Label; BLU 7799)
For lovers of American roots music, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen were the go-to guys in the late 1960s and into the ’70s. Playing everything from blues to boogie woogie to swing to country to rock n roll, the Airmen smoked like no other act of the time. Their top-ten hit “Hot Rod Lincoln” is forever etched in the minds of music lovers of that era. This 2-CD set goes right back to the beginning and includes rare early jam sessions and classic live performances.
Ricky Nelson - Greatest Love Songs (Capitol / EMI 17531)
Just in time for Valentine’s day, Capitol/EMI issues a fine set of romantic numbers from golden voiced pop idol Ricky Nelson. 22 tracks, including “Teenage Idol,” “Poor Little Fool,” and Nelson’s touching rendition of “That’s All.”