Barbara Sutton Curtis: Old Fashioned Love

Ralph Sutton’s little sister displays some elements of his style, plus a bit of “piano bar” (though her taste and subtle harmonies demand the kind of attention pianists are seldom accorded in your average joint). She uses the instrument’s entire range, with a solid left hand. Tunes by Fats Waller, James P. Johnson, Pete Johnson, Erroll Garner, interleaved with standards from Duke, Jule Styne, Gershwin, Kern, Jimmy Van Heusen, Cole Porter and an interesting pairing of Gary McFarland’s “Chuggin'” with Willard Robinson’s “Sharecroppin’ Blues.” This is a little old fashioned-plus charming, unpretentious and fine!

Originally Published December 1, 1997