Customer Reviews

Singin & Swingin

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

 

 

...you know *she* knows what she's singing about. She's lived it. She's seen it. She's been there. No if's, and's, but's or nevermind's. And that "heated jazz/organ combo" some of these others have mentioned? If there ever was an understatement, that's it right there. That fella behind the keys is none other than Brother Jack McDuff. Ya hear me? I'll say it again for ya. Brother Jack McDuff. You need reminding of his credentials, then you shouldn't be here. If you truly do, just take a look deeper in Amazon here and you'll see what he's been laying down and you'll be blown away. Add to this the fact that you have Jimmy Forrest laying down some of the sweetest, most melodic sounds on tenor that you've heard in a long, long time.

But as for this release. If honey and velvet could be turned into vocal sounds, this is what it would be. Almost makes me wanna turn in my Ella and Billie and even made me momentarily forget about my Clifford Brown and Helen Merrill lp. But you put this on, especially with the lights low, and she just wraps around you and lets you know that what ever your situation, plenty others been right there with you and you ain't in things alone. At least, not while this is playin'. And that makes things that much easier to bear for the time being. Believe me folks, it don't come no finer than this one right here. Stop your searching, you've found your lady here.

Betty Roche was little known by the general public, however she was a favorite of Ella Fitzerald, Billie Holiday, Mel Torme, and Sarah Vaughan. Thim former Ellington band singer, is featured on this early 60's OJC reissue with a heated jazz/organ combo. Roche as always takes lot's of chances, and this set is exciting and a masterpiece for jazz singing.

Betty Roche was little known by the general public, however she was a favorite of Ella Fitzerald, Billie Holiday, Mel Torme, and Sarah Vaughan. Thim former Ellington band singer, is featured on this early 60's OJC reissue with a heated jazz/organ combo. Roche as always takes lot's of chances, and this set is exciting and a masterpiece for jazz singing.

Betty Roche's career was rather short time wise, but she was one of the most acclaimed singers of her era. This cd shows why. The slections generally reflect her strong suits: Phrasing and tonality. Small instrumental group behind her supports well, never interferring. Perhaps not a must have, but diffently a should have.

Betty Roche was Duke Ellington's former vocalist(Take The "A" Train being her biggest hit) and she was also among his best(Ivie Anderson being his bery best, female anyway). Here Roche is with a heated jazz combo featuring an organ and sax. Roche uplifts familiar standards like "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and her unique and highly appealing jazz phrasing is a delight. Highly recomended.