Customer Reviews

Blossom Dearie Sings Comden & Green

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!

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.

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.

My first Blossom Dearie record-and it still holds a very special place in my heart. Rest in peace, sweet songbird-I loved you madly.

The first five tracks on this album (what would have been Side 1 on the vinyl) are rather pedestrian readings. Ms. Dearie doesn't display her usual wit with her singing. The next five tracks (Side 2) when Mr. Burrell is added on seems to perk up everybody, especially Blossom, especially if you program the CD to start the five tracks with #8 which is more in line with the actual recording dates as claimed in the liner notes.