Customer Reviews

After Hours With Miss D (Reis) (Dlx)

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It was easy to overlook and underrate Dinah Washington when, at least in the jazz world, Billie, Ella, Sarah, Carmen and Nancy were getting the plaudits. But hers is a sound as "natural" as Lady Day's, except more extroverted. She was small of stature but tall on talent and strong in body and soul, a determined performer who could be equally effective on ballads and up-tempo swingers. My suspicion is that the numerous "pop" recordings contrasting her essentially raw vocal quality with a surplus of smarmy strings will continue to languish while a session like this--Dinah mixing it up with equally authentic, immediately identifiable voices like Lockjaw Davis and Clark Terry--will continue to serve her memory and reputation best. This is an album likely to please even those jazz fans (and I do know a few) who otherwise stay away from vocals altogether. And if you're among the latter, it should come as no surprise if Dinah's revitalization of these standards doesn't provoke a revaluation about singers. Dinah doesn't have to scat to convince you she's performing on the same level as the "boys in the band." Finally, if there's a vocal performance of Cole Porter's "Love For Sale" that even begins to approach Dinah's reading, I have yet to hear it. Just as Porter's song was banned from radio in the 1920s (a far more permissive time than 1935-1960), I have no doubt that Dinah's sizzling performance of the tune would make it unsuitable for air play in many present-day venues.

Jazz fans: There are many great jazz CDs but this one is a must-hear for the blow-you-away cut of "Bye-Bye Blues." It is an up-tempo blowing session with excellent musicians. But when it comes time for the PIANO solo you'll swear you're listening to Bud Powell on speed! It isn't of course but Wow, what an incredible performance. Took my breath away. Don't miss!

A truly fantastic CD. I don't think I'll never get sick of listening to it.