Twenty of these 25 sides, recorded for Specialty between 1947 and 1952, were previously unissued. But there’s no difference in quality between these and the better-known ones presented on volume one; the label’s decision on what to release was based more on marketing strategies than the level of the performances. Divided between instrumentals and pop-influenced vocal numbers, Howard again proves herself the master of boogie and jump blues piano styles, sometimes slowing things down into a jazzier mode. In addition to the storehouse of vault material, this compilation also includes a couple of late-’40s Top Ten R&B hits, “Thrill Me” and “X-Temporaneous Boogie.” – Richie Unterberger
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