Search - Al Clauser & His Oklahoma Outlaws :: Hot Western Swing 1937-48 featuring Patti Page

A Most Enjoyable Album

Joseph M. Durkee | Arlington, Virginia United States | 09/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this CD in order to hear the first recordings of Patti Page. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole CD and have listened to it about 20 times. Before receiving the CD, I had not heard much western swing. I especially enjoy the selections that feature accordionist, Lambert Bartak. He could really play swing with the accordion. I've never heard an accordion played that way. "Oklahoma Stomp (1939)," "Broken Fingers," "Maggie Blues," and "Old Gal" are a few of the tracks that are first-rate and still fresh. "Sunrise on a Guinea Farm" with an increase in tempo midway through is memorable. The musicians do a terrific job on all the recordings in this toe-tapping CD.



As an 18-year-old singer, Patti's great on an infectious blues number, "My Sweet Papa." She also sings the ballad, "Never Pretend," well. Both songs were written by Al Clauser. For Patti's fans who may not normally listen to county music, there is nary a twang in any of the vocals in this CD. Carl Luper, who later joined Bob Wills, does a fine job on a couple of numbers, as do the other vocalists.



This CD should serve to give some credit to Al Clauser for his contribution to western swing and to American music."