CHRIS CONNOR was the quintessential '50s jazz vocalist Chris Connor's 1956 debut for Atlantic after a two-year stint on the short-lived California label Bethlehem. Like 1954's SINGS LULLABY OF BIRDLAND, her very first LP, CHRIS CONNOR is somewhat schizophrenically divided between rhapsodic ballads and boisterous uptempo numbers, perhaps reflecting different sessions with different personnel. But, as with the previous album, the ballads win the day. Her versions here of Billy Strayhorn's "Something To Live For," the penned-for-Sinatra "Where Are You," and the folk-like "When The Wind Was Green" once again reveal Connor's mastery of strong, forthright ballad singing. On second thought, her moderately swinging takes on Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out Of You" and another Sinatra favorite, "You Make Me Feel So Young," are pretty masterly too.
Stunningly repackaged, remastered, and featuring new liner notes by leading jazz writers, the Warner Jazz Masters Series includes best sellers as well as rare, sought-after gems. The first jazz vocal LP ever released on Atlantic Records, Chris Connor's self-titled album is one of her best (among considerable competition). Connor's coarse, throaty tone, sweet phrasing, and unerring rhythm were peaking during the late '50s, and the results are delightful tweaks of the standards "Anything Goes" and "Almost Like Being in Love." With similarly excellent results, Connor also transforms a couple of Sinatra's evergreens: "I Get a Kick Out of You," taken at breakneck pace with a small group including pianist John Lewis, bassist Oscar Pettiford, and drummer Connie Kay; "Where Are You"; and "You Make Me Feel So Young," with a ten-piece featuring tenor Zoot Sims and bassist Milt Hinton.
Superior Sound Quality This is Chris Connor's first album for Atlantic and they have as described stunningly remastered this cd. The sound quality is far superior to earlier versions. Hope they release more of her albums. Submitted by Chris Fan (B'ham, AL) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
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