Customer Reviews

Blossom Dearie

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Blossom Dearie's "It Might as Well be Spring", sung in French, is without doubt the sexiest thing I have ever heard. Misty, romantic, drenched in ennui and melancholy, but a light touch maintained with that clear, pure voice. It makes me go weak at the knees. Like Billie Holliday only optimistic. Blossom can carry a torch, but make it seem like a light burden she might toss away on a whim. Jazz fans, get this.

If you're of generation-X, you may already be familiar with Blossom Dearie's whispery, gentle, almost childlike voice from her vocals on SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK (she sang "Unpack Your Adjectives" and "Figure Eight). I encourage you to pick up this album, her first released one, and find out what an incredible talent is, both at the mic and at the piano.

This is my personal favorite of her albums. The standards all swing gently, and Blossom adds a delicate sense of humor to many of the tunes, especially the playful "Everything I've Got." Other up-tempo stand-outs are "'Deed I Do," "I Hear Music," "You for Me," and my favorite from the whole album, the teasing "I Won't Dance." But she also slows it down in a beautiful rendition of "Loverman" and croons gentle on "Fine Spring Morning." She doesn't sing at all on "More Than You Know," but shows off her piano playing skills. On the bonus tracks, she gets sassy with "Blossom's Blues," and lets a six part vocal group tear into the bouncy "Johnny One Note."

This is a great introduction to this singularly talented woman (who still sings today, and still sounds great.) Pick it up, and you'll soon want all her albums.

AMG EXPERT REVIEW: Other than a pair of sessions for the French Barclay label during 1955-56, this set (which has been reissued on CD) has pianist-vocalist Blossom Dearie's first recordings as a leader. Teamed up with bassist Ray Brown and drummer Jo Jones, Dearie is heard in her early prime. Although her voice has always been an acquired taste, its sincerity and sense of swing wins one over after a few songs and Dearie's piano playing is first class. In addition to the 14 original selections (mostly swing-era standards plus a couple of French songs), there are three previously unreleased numbers including "Blossom's Blues" which dates from 1959. This CD is the perfect introduction for listeners to the unique sound of Blossom Dearie. - Scott Yanow

I remember the first time I heard Blossom's voice. It was over 30 years ago, on a Saturday morning. It was love at first note.....She still makes me want to unpack my adjectives. Her voice is like fresh butter on hot bread.....It melts into every nook & cranny and is oh-so-good.

This CD is outstanding. Every song is well crafted and a delight to the senses. If you ike Blossom, this is an excellent addition to your collection. If you are unfamiliar with Blossom, this is a good way to start your collection.

Blossom's Blues alone, is worth the price of this CD.

Give this CD a try, you won't regret it.

Since the first days of late night talk shows, i.e., The Jack Parr Show, the name of Blossom Dearie has been dear to the hearts of all those who love a great piano, plus a great winning jazzy little voice. Jack Parr used to feature her on his show as often as she was in New York...not trotting around Paris or Australia.

Blossom Dearie used to record, I believe, on her own label and you had to order her records from her. I carried that address around for years and never had the money to order an album. I was in a music store a couple of years ago, and everyone heard me scream, BLOSSOM DEARIE!!! My husband came running to see what all the fuss was about...I had found my first Dearie album in the remainder bin.

We love her voice, the piano (which was how she started out...like Nina Simon...as a child prodigy pianist) is great and oh so original. We listen to this CD, Blossom Dearie Verve, Jazz Masters 51, so often, it's a wonder it isn't worn out. My favorites...Little Jazz Bird, Rhode Island is Famous for You (if you like puns, as I do, this is definitely for you!) and Someone to Watch Over Me. But then, I like all the songs she sings. Blossom makes you want to listen, sing along and dance all at the same time. If you like good music, good jazz and an endearing voice on albums that have chosen the all time favorites, you have to have the Jazz Masters 51 Blossom Dearie.

I can't think of anything else to say...except we have loved her music for about 40 years and are glad that she is being heard and enjoyed by so many new listeners. Blossom Dearie never goes out of style!

This woman's talent is far too under rated. Her voice should place her 'superstar' quotient among that of any top vocal superstar of the twentieth century. Miss Dearie should be filling huge concert halls and charging hundreds of dollars for admission. Don't pass on this CD. Who else could give such contrast to the disturbing lyrics of the amazing "Everything I've Got" with the most brilliantly sweet (yet totally unsentimental) vocals imaginable? This CD also contains three additional tracks that were not released with the other medium format releases of this title; a definate bonus. I listen to this CD so frequently that my friends think it is the only CD that I own.

This is the first in a long line of wonderful albums Blossom Dearie cut for Verve; like many of her later albums it features her on vocals & piano with a swingin' small group (Ray Brown on bass, Jo Jones on drums, and Herb Ellis on guitar); four tracks also add a vocal chorus(which in only on the extra bonus tracks, not on the original LP release). The album is winsome & bright, and is consistantly enjoyable (some of the many highlights are a fine "Lover Man" and a hilarious "A Fine Spring Morning"); an enjoyable sung in French ("Comment Allez Vous", "It Might as Well Be Spring" & "Tout Doucement"), and her pronunciation is exellent: in fact Blossom Dearie's perfect diction is a highlight throughout. Every track a gem. A must buy.

This is a WONDERFUL, album: after you purchase this you might want to also explore another fine Dearie album_Once upon a Summertime_, with its classic readings of "Manhattan" & "Tea for Two".

This was her first album produced on the prominent label Verve. Made in 1956. Track three is one of her most requested and greatest performed songs. As you will hear, she has a wonderful ability to do a great love song, and be very intimate with it. She wrote her own arrangements for all of her Verve releases.

Blossom Dearie's voice is sweet and clear. But it is her singing in French that is what makes this disk so spectacular. There is no better antidote to the grimy snarl of waiting in city traffic than to close your windows and listen to her jazzy little ditties about guys and gals in love. The band members are jazz greats but the music is understated and provides a perfect setting to showcase her voice. The pictures she conjures up of percolating coffee pots, milkman on the doorstep, cozy bungaloes, birds in spring, and love lost and found will take you back in time to a much simpler world of smoky bistros and maybe a few beatnicks. listen to this with a cup of espresso and a croissant and make believe you left town.

I enjoyed every track on this cd.Her song selection was a mixture of ballads and uptempo melodies.Her piano solos were very good on all tracks.I hear Music,They say It`s Spring,and Everything I got are the standout songs with maybe Blosssom`s Blues the weakest. All and all a great cd to have and listen to.