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Title: Wonderful Jazz Singing
Review: I've searched for my favorite Anita O'Day collection, and I think this one is it. O'Day is best known for aggressive, lightning-fast tempos, but those tunes often tend toward novelty. This set concentrates more on ballads, and the results are more mature and emotionally honest (several of these songs were also done by Frank Sinatra). She is influenced by Billie Holiday's behind-the-beat approach, but O'Day's tone is sharper, which lets her play with rhythm on every line. Her performances are jazzier than Sinatra, but she is suprisingly romantic and intimate. Her version of "Angel Eyes," for example, is smoky and devestating. My only complaint is her scatty run through of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Those lyrics call for a more thoughtful approach. But this set proves that O'Day was a great interpreter, not just a novelty chick. Ignore the unflattering cover photo (please), and enjoy the lost art captured inside: pure jazz singing.
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