Customer Reviews

Smooth Operator

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

it may have turned things around in Dorothy Dandridge's tragic life and career. Even though Ms. Dandridge was known mostly for her acting, she made her living as a lounge singer for years, and continued to sing throughout her acting career. She thought of herself as more of an actress than a singer, which is probably why this collection of songs was never released until now.

This is an excellent CD that features her jazzy, sensual vocals against the intimate background of the Oscar Peterson Trio on most of the selections, then backed by an unknown swinging orchestra by the last few songs on SMOOTH OPERATOR. Dorothy sounds great singing these standards. Although they were made famous by other people, Dorothy sings them as if they were written especially for her. The arrangements bring out the best in her voice. I can't find a single thing wrong with this CD. It's an absolute work of art, from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and get this! REDISCOVER DOROTHY DANDRIDGE!

Dorothy Dandridge was as great a singer as she was an actress. Her voice has a soft and sexy quality and is like no other. I think this cd is by far one of the best ever recorded by a popular artists. I would suggest any Dorothy Dandridge fan to purchase it because beleive me, it is one heck of a treat!!!!

The two songs that show Dandridge's potential on this cd are "Smooth Operator" and "Stay with It." The songs are catchy and she showed that she had a voice, shouldn't have been dubbed in Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess, that Otto Preminger! Up tempo numbers were what she was most memorable with. Perhaps her producers didn't realize this. I think a few of the slow numbers should be included but my main criticism is that there is nothing of her early non solo career.
I'm interested to hear the Dandridge Sisters. It included not only Dorothy and her sister Vivian but also a young Etta Jones. I know there are singles out there of them. Someone should release them.

Long before she was an actress Dorothy Dandrige had a sparkling career as a lounge singer. I always thought it was a pity that no-one ever had the sense to record her. Luckily, someone did. If only this album had been released during her life! Miss Dandrige's voice is smokey,sensual and just made for nightclubs. She sounds a little like Billie Holiday and a little bit like Pearl Bailey. Turn the lights out, sit back let this album take you back...

This lady was talented in more ways than one. She had beauty, style, acting ability and YES, she had singing chops, as evidenced in this compilation of standards performed in night clubs around Hollywood early on in her career. Quite frankly, I always knew Dorothy could act and sing but I never knew how much of a true Diva she was until I gave this CD a listen. It showcases "Dotty" in her element--Jazz!

I couldn't help but notice that her phrasing is eerily reminiscent of the style made famous by the great Billie Holiday. She sings purposefully, enunciating every syllable, lagging behind the beat just a hair. Listen and you will hear it on the opening songs, It's Easy to Remember, What Is There To Say, and That Old Feeling, on which she is quite kittenish.

In the title song, Smooth Operator, I imagine Dorothy working the room, and turning heads with her killer body, swaying her hips as she seductively sang.

The sound quality is excellent.

I am an avid follower of Miss Dandridge and her work. I loved her in every film and enjoyed seeing her life story. So, to be introduced to her musically and vocally, is a honor and she was so multi-talented. Beautiful, head strong, intelligent, and a hard wroker she's what we need today. I find her vocal stylings to be calming, and electric, in other words she's simply dazzling.

elegant to ones ear.I just love dorothy,so much class and beauty.I will always look up to dorothy as a positive black role model.I love you dorothy dandridge.your number one fan.kim t. from columbus oh.

After listening to this excellent CD repeatedly, I want to know why Dorothy Dandridge was not a major recording artist. Oscar Peterson's backing is superior. BUY!BUY!

After listening to this excellent CD repeatedly, I want to know why Dorothy Dandridge was not a major recording artist. Oscar Peterson's backing is superior. BUY!

Dorothy Dandridge could take a song and make it into a beautiful symphony by using her singularly fine talent as a vocalist. Her diction bolsters her singing and her voice on this album is lush, warm and vibrant.

Dandridge does well on all the tracks on this album; but several numbers stand out as highlights of this CD. I enjoy "It's Easy To Remember" which features Dorothy switching back and forth between major and minor keys very quickly. I was impressed; and the musicians play well to enhance the number. Dorothy also does a flawless job performing "That Old Feeling;" this nostalgia, bittersweet number pulls at my heartstrings because it's one of the most beautiful torch songs I've heard--ever. Dorothy sings this with grace and sensitivity; and the drums, bass and piano work wonders to make "That Old Feeling" a truly great number. Dorothy also plays with the tempo on "That Old Feeling" to create a great interpretation of this classic ballad.

"When Your Lover Has Gone" features Dorothy Dandridge singing sweetly with a fantastic musical arrangement; and "The Nearness Of You" has Dorothy singing a more upbeat melody about her love for her man. Listen for some great piano and bass on "The Nearness Of You," too.

"I've Grown Accustomed To Your Face," a number from My Fair Lady, showcases Dorothy's sublime vocals as the music bolsters the number. Dorothy never misses a beat as she sings this romantic number with an elegant, romantic interpretation.

"How Long Has This Been Going On" is sure to please you; Dorothy performs this to perfection. The piano arrangement lacks nothing--it's THAT good. "I've Got A Crush On You" will make many female vocalists green with envy as Dorothy delivers this so well; and listen also for the last track on this album, "Smooth Operator." Dorothy swings brightly as she performs "Smooth Operator" with panache and a great deal of energy.

The liner notes feature an essay by Donald Bogle; and the black and white photos of Dorothy reflect good taste.

Dorothy Dandridge didn't have time to fully succeed as a major female vocalist because of her all too brief stay on this Earth; but what she left behind speaks volumes about her natural talent and her willingness to please her fans. This CD contains many numbers released here for the very first time; and after just one listen I dare say you'll agree that Dorothy Dandridge possessed remarkably fine talent.