Customer Reviews

Dinah

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Old time classics like "More Than You Know", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "The Show Must Go On" and "Ill Wind", among others, get the classy treatment by our "Queen of the Blue's", in true-heart-felt renditions of these torch songs. Dinah's unique voice shines all through this album, although some may find the orchestra's arrangements somewhat dated. Anyway, a Gem!

The first LP that I purchased in my teens was "The World Of Dinah Washington" and what a thrill it was playing that one!!! As I child I remembered how her hits stood out as something really special and I loved every one of them!!! Her classic duets with Brook Benton paved the way for Marvin and his great ladies and what fun they all were to listen to!! Years later I picked up "Dinah!" and could not believe what a classic I found! A number of years later after listening to this great work countless times, I now feel that this is one of the best vocal albums ever made and my all-time favorite of the great Dinah Washington's. The opener "Look To The Rainbow" pulls you in with a vocal so warm and rich you never want it to end!!! Next the dramatic "Ill Wind" then the haunting "Cottage For Sale" and you know this wonderful collection is going to be pure magic!! Dinah gives a rhythmic soulful reading to "There'll Be Some Changes Made" then is torchy and haunting on the gorgeous "Goodbye" which will both have you hitting the repeat button over and over. Classics like "Willow Weep For Me" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" are the definitive versions here and "Make Me A Present Of You" is seductive and sensual. Cole Porter's classic "What Is This Thing Called Love" is given about a ten minute workout that is amazing and the best ever version!! Every song on this great set is sung to the max and this is a collection that hooks you and doesn't let go!!! Dinah's voice is so full and rich on this great work and her passion for these great songs shines through them all!!! Enjoy as there will never be another singer with a voice like this amazing DIVA!!!!!

Although this Dinah Washington CD is now sadly out of print, at this writing it is still available as an MP3 download on this site. It is also worth looking for in CD format.

Dinah Washington had three distinct periods: the first was as an R&B singer with occasional jazz touches, covering the mid-40's through the early fifties. It seems like half the compilations covering this period are called "A Slick Chick on the Mellow Side." Take your pick, depending on your interest and your pocketbook. Washington's R&B years, although they don't compare with her mid-50s jazz work, are still a treat to hear on their own merits.

Her best work was during her second phase of pretty straight ahead jazz vocal work. A good place to start is with "Dinah." It was originally released smack dab in the middle of her greatest period (1956). It's filled with great jazz sidemen like Wynton Kelly and others. Her final period began when she hit it big with the crossover hit "What a Difference a Day Makes." Although this was good for Dinah financially, the temptation to water down her style and shoot for more crossover hits definitely damaged the artistry of her music.

But in the mid-1950s perhaps only Sarah Vaughn could touch her. They said that Dinah Washington could sing the phone book; That's been said about other artists as well, but in Washington's case it was more than true. If you don't have much experience with Dinah Washington, this is a good album to start with, even as a download. Once you hear that distinctive voice in full bloom, you'll want to hear more.

During the recent events in this city & around the USA, music has been a balm & healer. This CD by the great Dinah-Queen of the Blues, is one of the best to get you through tough times. Just sit back and relish in the great vocals by this artist. It gives me strength to believe, we can move forward. The Show Must Go On!