Search - Dinah Washington :: I Wanna Be Loved (Dig)

Whirlwind of Emotion

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 10/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Verve records has re-released and digitally remastered "I Wanna Be Loved" that was recorded August to December 1961 & released on the Mercury label in 1962. The packaging remains faithful to the original release and the sound is given a great technical update, sounding fresh and crystal clear. Dinah Washington developed a vocal delivery that was unique. She has a way of gripping the emotions of the listener & not letting go. This set was conducted by Quincy Jones who surrounds Dinah with strings and arrangements that never overpower the singer. On "Invitation" she seems to glide over the haunting strings and piano, "Wherever I go, you're the glow of temptation, glancing my way in the grey of the dawn & always yours eyes smile that strange invitation, then you're gone." Dinah belts out the Harold Arlen standard "Let's Fall in Love" with the band swaying joyfully, "Let's close our eyes and make our own Paradise." "When Your Lover Has Gone" has that smoky late-night feel with Quincy Jones' strings swirling around Washington's vocals, creating the feel like the singer caught up in a whirlwind of emotion. Mel Torme's "A Stranger in Town" gives Dinah raw energy of romantic abandonment, "I saw a cottage on a lonely old street, weeds had grown around the gate; Somehow I felt you would wait here my sweet, but it looks like I'm too late." Dinah's version of the song "God Bless the Child" that's so associated with Billie Holiday gives Dinah's earthy vocals chance to shine. The set is bookended by Dinah's hit "I Wanna Be Loved" and the peppy "Sometimes I'm Happy" with a big band arrangement. This is an excellent set that wears well in the 43 years since its initial release by one of our most distinctive jazz/blues vocalists. Enjoy!"