Other than a pair of sessions for the French
Barclay
label during 1955-1956, this set (which has been reissued on CD) has pianist-vocalist
Blossom Dearie
's first recordings as a leader. Teamed up with bassist
Ray Brown
and drummer
Jo Jones
,
Dearie
is heard in her early prime. Although her voice has always been an acquired taste, its sincerity and sense of
swing
wins one over after a few songs and
's piano playing is first class. In addition to the 14 original selections (mostly
-era
standards
plus a couple of French songs), there are three previously unreleased numbers including
"Blossom's Blues,"
which dates from 1959. This CD is the perfect introduction for listeners to the unique sound of
. ~ Scott Yanow