For the best introduction to the music of Una Mae Carlisle, consult her 1938-1941 recordings (Classics 1209). Thrust into the limelight by her friend Fats Waller, Carlisle established herself as an able pianist, vocalist and leader of small swing bands, relinquishing her place at the piano in 1941 and '42 in order to concentrate on presenting herself as a singer. Backed by pianist Billy Kyle and the John Kirby Sextet, she delivered quite a number of sentimental songs and a handful of upbeat novelties. It's important to bear in mind the fact that during this time she was grappling with the debilitating effects of mastoiditis, a painful malady brought on by an infection of the inner ear…