June Christy - The Misty Miss Christy

Using Anita Day as starting point -- but eschewing many of her scat-song histrionics in favor of pure tonal power and melancholic shading -- June Christy honed her singing skills with Stan Kenton's band before going solo in the '50s. Christy's relatively accessible vocal approach and blonde good looks eventually helped her gain success with such classic long players as Something Cool and The Misty Miss Christy. Less swinging than Something Cool, The Misty Miss Christy mostly stays on auto-stroll with a wealth of subtle and sophisticated orchestral charts. The jazz-pop environs come courtesy of longtime arranger Pete Rugolo and optimally frame the singer on highlights like "That's All," "I Didn't Know About You," and "Dearly Beloved." With West Coast-style brass and reed accents gliding atop the lush strings, Christy also turns in fine renditions of Monk's "Round Midnight" and Russ Freeman's expressionistically torchy "The Wind." Balancing out the predominant autumnal lull, Christy shows her swinging savvy on breezy gems like "Sing Something Simple," "There's No You," and "A Lovely Way to Spend an Evening." Both an essential Christy title and one of the best vocal albums from the '50s. ~ Stephen Cook, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alvin Stoller Drums Benny Aronov Piano Bob Cooper Sax (Tenor) Bob Gordon Sax (Baritone) Bud Shank Flute, Sax (Alto) Chuck Gentry Sax (Baritone) Claude Williamson Piano Conrad Gozzo Trumpet Corky Hale Harp Dick Noel Trombone Frank Rosolino Trombone George Roberts Trombone Harry Babasin Bass Harry Betts Trombone Harry Klee Flute, Sax (Alto) Herbie Harper Trombone Howard Roberts Guitar Jay Ranellucci Tape Transfer, ? Joe Mondragon Bass John Graas French Horn June Christy Vocals Larry Bunker Percussion, Drums Laurindo Almeida Guitar Maynard Ferguson Trumpet Michael Cuscuna Reissue Producer, Producer Milt Bernhart Trombone Pete Candoli Trumpet Pete Rugolo Conductor, Arranger Shelly Manne Drums Will Friedwald Liner Notes