Anita Sings The Most

Performer: Anita O'Day
Artist: Herb Ellis; Ray Brown; Oscar Peterson
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Anita O'Day (vocals); Oscar Peterson (piano); Herb Ellis (guitar); Ray Brown (bass); John Poole (drums). Recorded at Universal Studios, Chicago, Illinois on January 31, 1957. Digitally remastered by Dennis Drake (Polygram Studios). Anita O'Day recorded many rewarding albums in the 1950s when her voice was at its strongest, and this collaboration with the Oscar Peterson Quartet (comprised of pianist Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer John Poole) may very well be her best. Not only is the backup swinging, giving a Jazz at the Philharmonic feel to some of the songs, but O'Day proves that she could keep up with Peterson. "Them There Eyes" is taken successfully at a ridiculously fast tempo, yet the singer displays a great deal of warmth on such ballads as "We'll Be Together Again" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered." While Peterson and Ellis have some solos, O'Day is never overshadowed (which is saying a lot) and is clearly inspired by their presence. The very brief playing time (just 33 minutes) is unfortunate on this straight CD reissue of the original LP, but the high quality definitely makes up for the lack of quantity. A gem. ~ Scott Yanow

A charismatic jazz singer who balanced soul, invention, and excellent technique, Anita O'Day got her first big break in 1941 as the vocalist in Gene Krupa's band (which also featured Roy Eldridge). She recorded several hits with both his ensemble and Stan Kenton's before going solo in '46. Throughout the next six decades she would record great albums with the likes of Cal Tjader and Barney Kessel, but it was during her live performances that her brilliant timing and charming rapport with audiences and fellow musicians really came through. O'Day passed away in November 2006.

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