This Is Anita [Japan]

Read About This Recording

One of the top singers to come out of the Swing era, Anita O'Day expertly made the transition to bebop and was one of jazz's finest vocalists of the 1950s. O'Day started her career freelancing in Chicago in the late 1930s. As a star attraction with Gene Krupa's Orchestra (1941-43), she had hits in Let Me Off Uptown, Thanks For The Boogie Ride and Bolero At The Savoy. O'Day also sang with Stan Kenton (1944-45) and with Krupa a second time (1945) before going out on her own.

Despite a hectic lifestyle, O'Day was at the peak of her powers in the 1950s and never sounded better than on her Verve recordings. This Is Anita teams the singer in 1955 on seven selections with an ensemble arranged by Buddy Bregman that consists of four trombones, a four-piece rhythm section (which includes pianist Paul Smith and guitarist Barney Kessel), Corky Hale on harp and a full string section. The other five numbers have Anita accompanied by just the rhythm section. Among the highlights of this well-rounded set are Honeysuckle Rose, a touching version of A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, Who Cares, As Long As I Live and No Moon At All. Anita O'Day at her best.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

You're the Top; Honeysuckle Rose; A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square; Who Cares?; I Can't Get Started; Fine and Dandy; As Long As I Live; No Moon At All; Time After Time; I'll See You In My Dreams; I Fall In Love Too Easily; Beautiful Love.

Anita O'Day, Bass, Guitar, Piano, Drums, Vocals; Barney Kessel, Guitar; Paul Smith, Piano; Corky Hale, Strings, Harp; Joe Howard, Si Zentner, Lloyd Elliott, Milt Bernhart, Trombones; Joe Mondragon, Bass; Alvin Stoller, Drums; Guildhall String Ensemble; Buddy Bregman, Arranger, Conductor.