Shake That Thing

Now that I've belatedly acquired a little knowledge about the career of 20's diva Annette Hanshaw, I think I've heard 'em all. Ruth Etting was also a great one, as was the awesome Bessie Smith. But as with any other category of American pop musicians, one 20's songbird invariably stands out above all the rest.

For example, there were a lot of great horn players in the 20's, and even though I personally prefer listening to Bix, because he (as they say) "resonates" with me, there's no doubt that Armstrong stood head and shoulders above all the rest, both technically and in terms of irrepressible, raw energy. Louis did what all great standout artists do: he mastered everything that had been done by those in his field up to that time, then added a few new wrinkles of his own and invented his own, clearly-defined style.

This is the same thing Sidney Bechet did among reeds players, or (somewhat later) Louie Bellson did among drummers, or Rachel Brice among modern-day belly dancers.

And among the divas of the 1920's, none could keep up with Ethel Waters. Her sense of intonation was flawless, her enunciation a thing of beauty, her vocal control mesmerizing, and her dramatic sense of delivery awe-inspiring. The good news is her best stuff, recorded when she was in her prime, is still commercially available. If you go to i-tunes, or AOL music downloads, or wherever it is you buy your MP3's, I'd suggest starting with "Shake That Thing" from the album "The Incomparable Ethel Waters." Prepare to be impressed.