Blossom Dearie - Once Upon a Summertime (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

This Blossom will never fade

KSG | New York, NY United States | 11/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderful, witty and warm. Blossom Dearie is a national treasure and her late 50's - early 60's recordings for Verve make life worth living. There is no one like her in the world. Thank you for The Surrey With the Fringe On Top."

Deceptively Simple, Sweet and Swinging...

Eddie Landsberg | Tokyo, Japan | 08/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The comparisons to Dave Frishberg make good sense to me... and she's definitely one hip gal (Blossom Dearie was the lady answering King Pleasure in his famous recording of Moody's Mood for Love.) - - What's most amazing is that while lacking both the "operetics" of other aspiring Jazz vocalists and the improvisational venturousness of the bebop singers, she has something "else" which is hard to pinpoint... Cuteness ? Perhaps some, but then again she also has a way of phrasing, telling stories through the music and holding the listeners' attention... as a result, whereas the "cuteness" and "novelty" might wear off with other singers taking this approach, Blossom Dearie's style proves itself itself to have an eternally hip deepness that's easy to miss with just a quick listen and comparison.. in time one realizes beyond "cuteness" better words are "honesty" and "insight" to describe her playing... incidentally her piano playing ain't so bad either... (Check out her swinging solo on If I Were A Bell For Example....) the accompanyment of Eddie Thigpen and Ray Brown definitely doesn't hurt.... Ray Brown's bass solo over Eddie Thigpen's masterful brush drumming on Teach Me Tonight is worth the purchase of this CD 10 times over ! ! ! ...not to mention Mundell Lowe's presence and the ridiculously cute and silly Doop-Doo-De-Doop...

"

Gentle Jazz

Biff the Buff | Gulf Breeze, FL | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of Blossom Dearie backed up by Ray Brown and company is simply delightful. It swings. No histrionics. No miserable Mitch Miller influence that derailed so many good female vocalists of the '50's. Just cool head bobbing good groovy music. Combining her "less is more" approach with Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen and Mundell Lowe shows that, once again, Norman Granz knew what he was doing. The rendition of Moonlight Saving Time is one of those tunes by Blossom that really frames the Blossom Touch. Of course, The Doodlin' Song will make a true jazz fan smile. Do not miss this music."

"A Voice In A Million"

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 07/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Chic, squeeky-clean, a voice in a million." ~ Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times ~

"Blossom Dearie is one of New York's treasures." ~ Rex Reed, New York Observer ~

My recent trip to NYC had me humming and singing "Manhattan," the centerpiece of this beautiful album, for days now.

"I'll take Manhattan

The Bronx and Staten Island too...

...And tell me what street

Compares to Mott Street in July

Sweet pushcarts gently gliding by"

Since this Rodgers and Hart's gem of a song is an all-time favorite of mine, I created a Playlist in my Media Player library with different versions by my favorite singers. One of them is a beguiling rendition from Blossom Dearie in this album, "Once Upon A Summertime." Her sweetly subtle interpretation is so full of charms that makes it one of the best versions ever recorded.

Although Blossom Dearie was one of the most underrated female singers of her time, she was definitely one of the most talented singers the jazz world has ever known. She was not only a mere singer, she was also a piano player, arranger and songwriter.

I agree with two credible jazz writers/critics, Leonard Feather and Rex Reed, who nailed it in such a few words that mirror my thoughts about Blossom Dearie. And I can't believe that I am listening to an almost fifty-one-year-old recording because there's nothing to whine about the sound quality. It is excellent. This Norman Granz production is one of the best and well-recorded vocal jazz albums, and the coolest, I must say. And to quote the singer with a voice that has a crystal-clear clarity on her thoughts about this album, here goes....

"Norman Granz called and asked me to make another album with Tom. He and Ray Brown playing bass, Mundell Lowe playing guitar and Ed Thigpen playing drums. I could pick the songs and write the arrangements. How could a girl go wrong? So, by twisting my arm a few times, he seemed to persuade me to go ahead with it. . .even though I resisted stubbornly."

She resisted stubbornly, but she gave in anyway. And the end result is a cool album of jazz standards that showcases not only her soft and mellow vocals, but also her piano artistry and flair in arranging. If you appreciate cool and mellow vocal jazz, this is the perfect album to listen to. Give it a special spot in your music library. With my heartfelt recommendation.

"The city's bustle cannot destroy

The dreams of a girl and boy

We'll turn Manhattan into an isle of joy""

Search - Blossom Dearie :: Once Upon a Summertime

CD Details

Synopsis

Similar CDs

Similarly Requested CDs

CD Reviews

	Blossom Dearie Once Upon a Summertime Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists Track Listings (12) - Disc #1 Tea For Two Surrey With The Fringe On Top Moonlight Saving Time It Amazes Me If I Were A Bell We're Together Teach Me Tonight Once Upon A Summertime Down With Love Manhattan Doop-Doo-De-Doop (A Doodlin' Song) Our Love Is Here To Stay Verve CD.
? Larger Image