Rosemary Clooney: Jazz Singer (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: June 25, 2003

Columbia’s compilation of vintage Rosemary Clooney gems comes with superb support. Throughout her career, the jazz singer always had that kind of expertise surrounding her. Jazz Singer starts off with the Duke Ellington Orchestra in an excerpt from Blue Rose. Clark Terry, Harry Carney and Jimmy Hamilton rip off delightful solos to complement the buoyant singer. Then, from Tenderly, Clooney sings a soothing ballad: one of her most welcomed trademarks. The sound of her voice and the balance from supporting orchestras leads to a pleasant memento. The Hi-Los provide interesting interaction, and later, the Ray Charles Singers offer subtle vocal harmony. Michael Feinstein’s contemporary liner notes provide all the details and circumstances.

With Benny Goodman, Clooney bubbles with enthusiasm as she trades off with the clarinetist. The sounds are sweet and the mood is light. A more dramatic approach comes from the Paramount film Red Garters, as Clooney sings “Bad News” with a poignant studio orchestra. Interpreting show and film tunes from dramatic scenes was one of the singer’s strongest points, and her experience compounded that heartfelt trait in her later years. The selections heard here date from 1951 to 1957. They feature Clooney at the top of her form and in different scenarios. With Urbie Green and Benny Goodman on “Goodbye,” she’s introspective. After such a long career, Rosemary Clooney left us a treasury of recorded memories. This select group of favorites proves delightful throughout.

Track Listing: It Don

Personnel: Rosemary Clooney- vocals; Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Dick Hyman, Stan Freeman, Paul T. Smith- piano; Roland Bundock, Jimmy Woode, Aaron Bell, Phil Stephens, Ray Leatherwood, Frank Carroll- bass; Milton Holland, Sam Woodyard, Jack Sperling, Bobby Donaldson, Nick Fatool, Alvin Stoller, Terry Snyder- drums; Willie Cook, Ray Nance, Clark Terry, Cat Anderson, Frank Beach, Don Fagerquist, Robert Fowler, Uan Rasey, Buck Clayton, Conrad Gozzo, Charles E. Griffard, Vito Mangano, James Maxwell, James Milozzo, Melvin Solomon- trumpet; Quentin Jackson, Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Francis Howard, Dick Nash, George Roberts, Paul Tanner, Urbie Green, William Schaefer, Allan W. Thompson, John D

Record Label: Columbia Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream