Blossom Dearie Sings Comden and Green [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Blossom Dearie

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 2001)
• Original Release Date: April 8, 1959
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Umvd Labels
• ASIN: B00005N6T0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #114,271 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Blossom Dearie was 32 when she recorded this album in 1959. But there's always been something of a little girl's artlessness in her singing, which somehow radiates great sophistication. That peculiar mix sets her apart from other '50s singers who also favored a cool, minimally inflected delivery, like Julie London or June Christy. Singing or quietly accompanying herself on piano, Dearie makes less do more, rather like her fan Miles Davis. The band--guitarist Kenny Burrell, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Ed Thigpen--lays low, discreet. The songs, featuring urbane lyrics by Adolph Comden and Betty Green, are drawn from shows and films such as On the Town, Bells Are Ringing, and It's Always Fair Weather, with music by (respectively) Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, and André Previn. Not all selections are as strong as the standards (and standouts) "Just in Time," (an unexpectedly jaunty) "The Party's Over," and the bittersweet masterpiece "Some Other Time," but Dearie's low-key charm carries the day. --Kevin Whitehead

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic album by a genuine American treasure!!, June 24, 2002

By	"flyingdutchman1971" (San Antonio, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Blossom Dearie brings a special kind of magic to every song that is lucky enough to be touched by her unique gift. Her impeccable phrasing and that warm sweet voice make her essential to any music collection. This CD is certainly no exception. Pulling together 10 songs by the great writing team of Betty Comden and Adolph Green, who coincidentally wrote the screen play to my favorite film - Auntie Mame, she makes each song her own and makes you feel that she is singing to you personally. This edition has been professionally remastered and though I am partial to vinyl records, it sounds great and the packaging is excellent as well. When this record was completed in 1959 Ms. Comden and Mr. Green were asked to appear on the cover with Blossom. She brought along a copy of the finished recording to Ms. Comden's apartment for the photo shoot and upon hearing the record, Ms. Comden and Mr. Green wrote an enthusiastic set of liner notes for the back cover! Treat yourself to this cd and prepare to be dazzled, it's like having a cabaret in your living room!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful mood setter, January 12, 2003

By	Glenn Miller (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had never heard of Blossom Dearie until a good friend recommended her to me. I've listened to this CD numerous times and enjoy it more with each sitting. From her wistful, "The Party's Over," to the more upbeat "Just in Time," Dearie is nothing but captivating. Her backing members, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums bring to mind a dark, smoky jazz club in 1950's Manhattan. Serve me another scotch and spin the CD again.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps her best!, May 27, 2002

By	Jim (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews

I am a big BD fan and have almost all of her albums. I never tire of her beautifully simple, restrained and modern voice or stying. This is probably one of the top two or three of her recordings. The songs are all first rate and she sings them with originality and respect. A must for anyone who loves cabaret singing.