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Daria: Just the Beginning

By Joel Roberts
November 1, 1998
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Just the Beginning is the first recording from the West Coast vocalist who goes by the single name of Daria.

An expressive singer with a clear, crisp voice and excellent range, Daria is at her best when she keeps things simple, as on a stripped down version of Ellington and Strayhorn's "Daydream," with the vocals backed only by Bill Douglass' bass and Sheldon Brown's bass clarinet. She shows an affinity for breezy, tropical sounds on a solid reading of Jobim's "Double Rainbow" (with words by author/lyricist Gene Lees). She also does well on a more slickly produced pop-jazz original, "Japanese Love Affair."

Daria is less successful on the opening number, the beautiful standard "Angel Eyes," which is marred by her rather overwrought unaccompanied scatting. Readers should note that this CD clocks in at just around thirty minutes.

Personnel

Daria

vocals

Album information

Title: Just the Beginning | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Jazz'm Up Productions

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