Mike, the CD (actually a double CD) is an augmented re-issue of the Leader LP LEE 4054. Which means it has all of the LP tracks in the original order, IE., the stuff which Pat Shuldham Shaw and Marie Slocombe recorded from her in 1951. But there's a whole lot more, including recordings which Peter Kennedy made in 1967, and which various people, including Charles Parker and Pam Bishop made in the 1970s.

It has to be said that her singing in later years left a lot to be desired. However, it's worth putting up with for the vividness of the spoken actuality, in which she details various aspects of working class Birmingham life in the early 20th century. This latter incidentally includes a talk about 'peaky blinders', and fans of the BBC series' will be disappointed to learn that it doesn't neccesarily refer to a gang of murdering cut throats.

I can only continue to deplore the fact that the rest of the Leader catalogue lies in mothballs. (This has been the subject of sveral Mudcat threads. See especially ). But I for one am delighted that Rod At least managed to pluck this one out of the fire.

Regarding the rest of the catalogue, I am still mulling over the problems of how to get it reissued, and am no further forward. If anyone has any sensible ideas I would be glad to hear from them, either on the message board or at Fredamhran@aol.com .