Annie Ross - Jazz Classic (2017)

Annie is in fine fettle throughout, interpreting the lyrics in her highly individual manner, but always respecting the songwriter's intention. Her rendition of "Skylark" is a thing of beauty, and "I've Told Every Little Star", recorded at the same session, is a delightful exercise in vocal delivery. Buddy Bregman the arranger on the "Gypsy" album, was the nephew of Jule Styne, the score's composer. I doubt this was a big seller when it first came out, but it's certainly stood the test of time. Good as the first CD is, it's merely the curtain-raiser for Annie's recordings with two of the heavyweights of the then contemporary jazz scene. Despite the prominence of Zoot Sims' name on the original LP sleeve of "It's A Gasser", he was replaced on three numbers by Bill Perkins, and the backing quintet was led by pianist Russ Freeman, who also produced the arrangements. Apart from a couple of up-tempo songs, it's lovely, smoky, small-hours jazz with a perfect understanding between all concerned. It's Annie's partnership with the Gerry Mulligan Quartet which produces her jazziest performances. In addition to the leader, it features either Chet Baker or Art Farmer on trumpet, Bill Crow or Henry Grimes on bass, and drummer Dave Bailey. The choice of material is excellent, and includes Annie's third version on this compilation of "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea". All concerned play their socks off, and produce jazz of a very high order.

TRACKLIST

1. Annie Ross - I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
2. Annie Ross - It's Sand Man
3. Annie Ross - Stop It
4. Annie Ross - Down for Double
5. Annie Ross - Overture
6. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - (I'm Just A) Lucky so and So
7. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - I Didn't Know About You
8. Annie Ross - The Lady's in Love with You
9. Annie Ross - Small World
10. Annie Ross - All of Me
11. Annie Ross - Everytime
12. Annie Ross - The Time Was Right
13. Annie Ross - Together
14. Annie Ross - 'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)
15. Annie Ross - You'll Never Get Away from Me
16. Annie Ross - Farmer's Market
17. Annie Ross - Everyday I Have the Blues
18. Annie Ross - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
19. Annie Ross - All I Need Is a Boy
20. Annie Ross - Gipsy in My Soul
21. Annie Ross - Don't Worry 'Bout Me
22. Annie Ross - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Alternative Take)
23. Annie Ross - Twisted
24. Annie Ross - Skylark
25. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - I Was Doin' Alright
26. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - Everything I've Got Belong to You
27. Annie Ross - Some People
28. Annie Ross - Avenue C
29. Annie Ross - Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
30. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - This Is Always
31. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - Lucky Day
32. Annie Ross - Little Pony
33. Annie Ross - Everything's Coming up Roses
34. Annie Ross - One o'Clock Jump
35. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - All of You
36. Annie Ross - Blues Backstage
37. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - I Feel Pretty
38. Annie Ross - Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin
39. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - Nobody's Baby
40. Annie Ross - Let Me Entertain You
41. Annie Ross - I Love Paris
42. Annie Ross - Down for the Count
43. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - You Took Advantage of Me
44. Annie Ross - I'm Beginning to Think You Care
45. Annie Ross - Manhatten
46. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
47. Annie Ross - Reprise
48. Annie Ross - Love You Madly
49. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - You're Nearer
50. Annie Ross - I've Told Every Little Star
51. Annie Ross - Perdido
52. Annie Ross - The Way You Look Tonight
53. Annie Ross - Let There Be Love
54. Annie Ross - Two for the Blues
55. Annie Ross - How About You
56. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
57. Annie Ross - Annie's Lament
58. Annie Ross with Gerry Mulligan Quartet - Give Me the Simple Life
59. Annie Ross - I Didn't Know About You
60. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - Invitation to the Blues
61. Annie Ross - Fiesta in Blue
62. Annie Ross - This Time the Dreams on Me
63. Annie Ross with Zoot Sims - I Dont Want to Cry Anymore