Back to the Blues [Bonus Tracks]

Performer: Dinah Washington
Artist: Illinois Jacquet
Producer: Henry Glover; Michael Cuscuna (Reissue)
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: The 1997 reissue of BACK TO THE BLUES contains 3 previously unreleased tracks. Personnel includes: Dinah Washington (vocals); Illinois Jacquet, Eddie Chamblee (saxophone); Billy Butler (guitar). Recorded in New York, New York between July & November 1962. Includes liner notes by Bob Porter. Personnel: Dinah Washington (vocals); Billy Butler (guitar); Eddie Chamblee, Illinois Jacquet (tenor saxophone). Audio Remixer: Malcolm Addey. Liner Note Author: Bob Porter. Recording information: New York, NY (07/1962-11/1962). Director: Don Costa. Arranger: Don Costa. Prior to her 1959 hit "What a Difference a Day Makes," nearly every Dinah Washington recording (no matter what the style) was of interest to jazz listeners. However, after her unexpected success on the pop charts, most of Washington's sessions for Mercury and Roulette during the last four years of her life were quite commercial, with string arrangements better suited to country singers and Dinah nearly parodying herself with exaggerated gestures. Fortunately, this 1997 CD reissue brings back an exception, a blues-oriented collection that features Washington returning to her roots, backed by a jazz-oriented big band (although with occasional strings and background voices); in addition to the original program, there are previously unreleased versions of "No One Man" and "Me and My Gin." Eddie Chamblee and Illinois Jacquet have some tenor solos, guitarist Billy Butler is heard from and the trumpet soloist is probably Joe Newman. In general, this is a more successful date than Dinah Washington's earlier investigation of Bessie Smith material, since the backup band is more sympathetic and the talented singer is heard in prime form. Dinah Washington clearly had a real feeling for this bluesy material. ~ Scott Yanow Prior to her 1959 hit "What a Difference a Day Makes," nearly every Dinah Washington recording (no matter what the style) was of interest to jazz listeners. However, after her unexpected success on the pop charts, most of Washington's sessions for Mercury and Roulette during the last four years of her life were quite commercial, with string arrangements better-suited to country singers and Washington nearly parodying herself with exaggerated gestures. Fortunately, this 1997 CD reissue brings back an exception, a blues-oriented collection that features Washington returning to her roots, backed by a jazz-oriented big band (although with occasional strings and background voices); in addition to the original program, there are previously unreleased versions of "No One Man" and "Me and My Gin." Eddie Chamblee and Illinois Jacquet have some tenor solos, guitarist Billy Butler is heard from, and the trumpet soloist is probably Joe Newman. In general, this is a more successful date than Dinah Washington's earlier investigation of Bessie Smith material, since the backup band is more sympathetic and the talented singer is heard in prime form. Dinah Washington clearly had a real feeling for this bluesy material. [The 1997 reissue appended three bonus tracks from this period onto the CD: "Don't Say Nothing at All," "No One Man," and "Me and My Gin."] ~ Scott Yanow

Despite a relatively short career--she died in 1963 at the age of 39--Dinah Washington laid claim to being one of the major jazz voices, and one of the most versatile of all jazz singers. Her voice was rich; she filled everything she sang with heartfelt emotion, and she could make even material of less than stellar quality sound deeply moving. More importantly, she was equally at home (and had hits) with blues, popular songs of the day, and standards; toward the end she also became a major voice of the burgeoning soul movement.

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