Etta Jones Sings Lady Day CD

ETTA JONES SINGS LADY DAY was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

With a career spanning half a century under her belt, Etta Jones' final album (she passed away in 2001) seems entirely fitting, a tribute to the great Billie Holiday. According to the liner notes, they only met a couple of times but Ms. Jones's style was certainly informed by the doyenne, particularly in the liberties with melodic and rhythmic phrasing. But she is no parrot, not by a long shot; as if to prove this point, on the final verse of "Fine And Mellow," Ms. Jones does a pitch-perfect imitation of Lady Day's sound.

Jones's other main influence, Dinah Washington, comes through mostly in the intensely piercing held notes at the end of certain emotionally poignant phrases. Another trademark is her horn-like hiccup across two or more notes, used effectively here during interpretive passages. On hand for the session are long-time partner Houston Person on saxophone and Peter Bernstein on guitar, both of whom add swinging solos without ever overplaying.

Includes liner notes by Sid Gribetz.

Recorded at M & I Recording Studios, New York, New York on June 21, 2001.

Personnel: Etta Jones (vocals); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Richard Wyands (piano); Chip White (drums).

Liner Note Author: Sid Gribetz.

Recording information: M & I Recording Studios, New York, NY (06/21/2001).

Photographer: R. Andrew Lepley.

Personnel: Etta Jones (vocals); Houston Person (tenor saxophone); Richard Wyands (piano); Peter Bernstein (guitar); John Webber (bass); Chip White (drums).