Julia Lee - The Very Best of Julia Lee (My Man Stands Out & Other Innuendos) (2019)

Kansas City was a wide-open town in the 1920s and 30s with a famously corrupt Mayor. In that kind of environment of course creativity in music thrives. By far and away the most famous female artists to grow out of the city was pianist/singer Julia Lee who enjoyed a string of r&b chart hits, all of which are featured in this collection.

Most of her popularity rested on her risqué, double-entendre incorporated into the string of ribald songs she was associated with. Many of these songs have become staples of bar bands across the world. 'My Man Stands Out', 'I Didn't Like it the First Time' or 'King Size Papa' amongst others still find themselves in song sets 70 odd years later.

These 27 tracks still sound good and relevant today, she had a powerful voice which could belt out a lyric as well as croon one. She wrote songs that retain their humour and played boogie piano like a proto rock and roller. There is no doubt that her records have been quite influential over the years and actually continue to be today.