Incomparable!

Read About This Recording

Anita O'Day first came to fame singing Let Me Off Uptown with Gene Krupa's Orchestra in 1941. One of the hippest vocalists to emerge during the second half of the swing era, O'Day refused to sing commercial material and lived for jazz. She had a stint with Stan Kenton's band, returned to Krupa for a second go-around (including a hit vocal version of Opus No. One) and, by 1947, was a solo artist. Her greatest recordings were made in the 1950s when O'Day, who easily embraced bebop, recorded regularly for Verve. Her erratic lifestyle nearly caused her death in the 1960s (which is outlined in her autobiography) but she made a major comeback by the late 1970s before gradually fading out of the scene.

Incomparable features O'Day at her prime in 1960 while joined by an all-star West Coast jazz orchestra arranged by Bill Holman. Among the soloists are trumpeters Conte Candoli and Lee Katzman, tenors Bill Perkins and Richie Kamuca, and pianist Lou Levy. There are many highpoints to be experienced including fresh and lively versions of It Could Happen To You, Avalon, Old Devil Moon and even Pink Champagne.

Anita O'Day fans will find much to savor on this spirited set.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

It Could Happen to You; Blue Champagne; Avalon; Old Devil Moon; The Party's Over; Why Shouldn't I; Easy Living; Can't We Be Friends; Slaughter on 10th Avenue; If I Love Again; Speak Low; Indian Summer.

Anita O'Day with Orchestra conducted by Bill Holman.