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Annie Ross: To Lady with Love
ByIs jazz dead? Only if we listen to runny-nosed children clinging to the impossibility that anything of musical of any consequence was made in the 1990s or 2000s. Silly children.
Whatever...
Ms. Ross elects to stroll through Billie Holiday's song book. Gratefully, "Strange Fruit" is not here. But she does mention it in her recorded introductory comments. Ross is accompanied by the two most sensitive and responsive accompanist in Pizzarelli Father and Son, in an appropriately intimate setting that showcases Ms. Ross' relaxed and sublime vocals. Ross' singing is heartbreaking in the respect that she is so dedicated to her goal. This is easy to hear when contrasted against the flagrant, gold-digging voyeurism surrounding Anita O'Day's last recording, Indestructible! (Kayo Records, 2006). That artist deserved better...
Ross remains one of the most conversational singers. Her delivery is matter-of-fact, as on "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance" and "Travelin' Light." "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "When Your Love has Gone" make palpable the disappointment and heartache capture in the lyrics of these true classics. Bucky and John Pizzarelli provide Ross with exceptional support, trading solo duties between themselves and always available to inspire the singer to greater emotional depths. I wish Annie Ross many more years of music making.
Track Listing
To Lady; For All We Know; I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance; I’m a Fool for You; Violets for Your Furs; You Don’t Know What Love Is; You’ve Changed; When Your Love Has Gone; I Get Along Without You Very Well; It’s Easy to Remember; Travelin’ Light; Music is Forever.
Personnel
Annie Ross
vocalsAnnie Ross: vocals; Bucky Pizzarelli: guitar; John Pizzarelli: guitar.
Album information
Title: To Lady with Love | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Red Anchor Records