Dee Dee Bridgewater CD

Photographer: David Alexander .
Those who know Dee Dee Bridgewater from her classy tributes to jazz luminaries like Horace Silver and Ella Fitzgerald should take note that the music on the reissue of this eponymous effort from 1980 is more firmly situated in the pop and R&B camps. From songs with a disco-influenced feel ("Lonely Disco Dancer") to smooth, lilting balladry ("When Love Comes Knocking at Your Door"), this set is light, groove-oriented, and easy on the ears. It may not be the best place to start with this too-often-overlooked singer, but it should be of interest to long-time fans.
Dee Dee Bridgewater's final Elektra effort represents her most concentrated attempt at a crossover hit. A collaboration with Philly soul architect Thom Bell, this self-titled set bears all the hallmarks of the post-disco Philadelphia International sound, couching Bridgewater's potent vocals in a series of lush, sophisticated settings. The record's far from unlistenable, but Bridgewater never seems comfortable in this slick, pop-oriented context. A handful of jazzy ballads allow her to stretch out, but the more up-tempo numbers feel strained, and cuts like "Lonely Disco Dancer" have aged no better than such a title would suggest. ~ Jason Ankeny
Dee Dee Bridgewater's self-titled album opens with a song that sounds closer to Gloria Gaynor than Ella Fitzgerald, throwing her jazz fans for a loop. This 1976 release explores R&B and funk territories, while still employing her strong, husky voice. She shows the amazing range and emotional expression that would make her "comeback" albums of the '90s so remarkable, while apparently having a lot of fun. While this album is out of character for her stylistically, it is still a fine addition to any fan's collection. ~ Stacia Proefrock
Dee Dee Bridgewater's final Elektra effort represents her most concentrated attempt at a crossover hit. A collaboration with Philly soul architect Thom Bell, this self-titled set bears all the hallmarks of the post-disco Philadelphia International sound, couching Bridgewater's potent vocals in a series of lush, sophisticated settings. The record's far from unlistenable, but Bridgewater never seems comfortable in this slick, pop-oriented context. A handful of jazzy ballads allow her to stretch out, but the more up-tempo numbers feel strained, and cuts like "Lonely Disco Dancer" have aged no better than such a title would suggest. ~ Jason Ankeny