Customer Reviews

Blue Skies

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I once read an interview with Cassandra Wilson where she said that she didn't want to be a traditional jazz singer because she associated this with wearing gowns and being all ladylike and proper. I read that so long ago that I don't remember the exact words, but that's the gist of her objection. That interview took place years after she recorded Blue Skies, an album of jazz standards. As much as I appreciate the way Ms. Wilson draws upon a variety of influences such that her work now transcends categorization, I would love to hear her do more CDs like this one -- straight up jazz.

I stumbled across Blue Skies in the used Jazz section at Kemp Mill. I can't help but wonder who in the world parted with this gem and why? This early work, released in 1988, proves that Ms. Wilson can hold her own in traditional jazz vocals. She more than covers these standards, she claims them as her own. She even scats! Ms. Wilson's version of "My One and Only Love," is my favorite selection. I would recommend this CD to all the Cassandra Wilson fans, particularly those who have only recently discovered her work.

Cassandra Wilson's recent Blue Note records have been justly praised for her ability to blend genres of popular music. This earlier album of jazz standards, however, is simply wonderful -- Wilson's stunning voice (you MUST hear it!) and intellegent singing backed by an equally intellegent trio. There isn't a wasted note anywhere.

Wilson has largely disowned this repetoire, and the straight-ahead jazz vocal style. This album might be the only extended example that we will ever have of what might have happened if she had chosen a more traditional musical path. While I enjoy her more recent albums, and would listen to her sing just about anything, this is the one I play over and over again.

This is a Hidden Gem.You Don't Hear Cassandra Wilson Sing in a Straight-Up Jazz Style ANymore&that's A Shame.cuz Her VOice Here Showcases The Depth&Many talents this Lady Has.The Music is Great as is The playing.I Love Her 90's&Up Albums but this One Is Incredible.

i'd heard Cassandra first in my early 20s . it was on the Steve Coleman cd "Sine Die". this was the first solo recording of hers i'd bought and heard . i was head over heals infatuated . i have been ever since . Mulgrew Miller makes one of the most romantic and magnificent piano trio accompanist i've ever heard . every comp , every solo is a joy . i've seen a lot of print critics say they favor Ms. Wilson's less jazzy projects more than say this outing or "She who weeps" . i love those pop/ jazz projects as well , but prefer ? here's where Ms. Wilson and fast company seduce the listener . incredible .

Cassandra Wilson singing jazz standards is kind of appealing on the surface, but a closer listen will reveal that this is actually not what she's good at doing. I wouldn't call her a "jazz" singer anyway, because for me, Shirley Horn was the best female jazz vocalist of all-time.

Wilson does show an impressive range with these selections, but again, I don't think this is her forte at all. The musicians are great: Mulgrew Miller, Lonnie Plexico, and Terri Lynne Carrington. They are all fantastic, but Wilson's voice simply does not fit into this kind of setting.

I think anyone interested in Cassandra Wilson should check out "New Moon Daughter," which as far as I'm concerned is her best recording.

It's easy to think of Cassandra Wilson as a "young" singer, although she's now on the north side of 50. Ms Wilson is always in transition - the fact that you liked her last album is no guarantee that you'll like her next. With "Blue Skies," Ms Wilson left M-Base funk, made a hard right turn, and produced an album of standards.

If you like Ms Wilson's voice, but can't stand her durge-like pacing, afro-cuban instrumentation and eclectic song selection, "Blue Skies" is the album for you. Recorded in 1988, in front of an excellent trio, (Mulgrew Miller, piano; Lonnie Plaxico, base; and Terri Carrington, drums), "Blue Skies" showcases Ms Wilson's deep, burnished alto voice on cuts like "Shall We Dance," "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You," and, of course, "Blue Skies." If you have any doubt that Ms Wilson can sing "conventional" jazz, "Blue Skies" will put an end to it.

Unfortunately, if this album gets your motor running, (as it does mine), you'll have to look hard to find her doing anything like it since. The "Sings Standards" album, released in 2002, includes four of the "Blue Skies" songs, along with standards culled from other later albums, but that's about it.

Nobody doesn't have an opinion about Ms Wilson. She either intrigues you, or makes you crazy. If you like her voice and love the standards repertoire, "Blue Skies" is for you.