CHRIS CONNOR — Sings Lullabys of Birdland (1954) Vinyl LP 10" | MONO | FLAC (tracks) 24-96Hz

This is one of two original 1954 10" LPs that marked Chris Connor's debut on Bethlehem Records. And Connor is especially lucky in that the great pianist Ellis Larkins is on hand to shepherd her through what turned out to be some of her greatest performances, songs like "Try A Little Tenderness," "All About Ronnie," and "Birdland" itself. Chris Connor is perhaps the quintessential '50s (white) jazz singer. While she doesn't possess the emotional or musical artistry of a June Christy or Helen Merrill, her performances are usually note-perfect, and straightforward to the point of bluntness. Audiences would have had little problem grasping what she was doing or where she was coming from. And, as can be heard through this exceptionally beautiful session, all her ballads have a certain rhapsodic quality, the payoff for hitting the notes squarely in the middle. Richard Mortifoglio
Tracklist :
. I Hear Music (2:15)
Written-By – Burton Lane, Frank Loesser
2. What Is There To Say (2:54)
Written-By – E.Y. Harburg, Vernon Duke
3. Come Back To Sorrento (2:47)
Written-By – Ernesto de Curtis
4. Why Shouldn't I (2:46)
Written-By – Cole Porter
5. Lullaby Of Birdland (2:24)
Written-By – George Shearing
6. Try A Little Tenderness (3:05)
Written-By – Harry Woods, James Campbell, Reginald Connelly
7. All About Ronnie (2:58)
Written-By – Joe Greene 
8. Spring Is Here (2:56)
Written-By – Rodgers & Hart
Personnel :
Chris Connor - Vocals
Ellis Larkins - Piano
Everett Barksdale - Guitar
Beverly Peer - Bass

MILDRED BAILEY – 1945-1947 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1337 (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

As she neared the end of her recording career, Mildred Bailey suffered from a steadily shrinking voice, but her interpretive powers were undiminished. The Classics volume 1945-1947 proves that point with a program of 25 performances backed by orchestras including Eddie Sauter's and Ted Dale's, and sidemen including vibraphonist Red Norvo (Mr. Swing to her Mrs. Swing), pianist Ellis Larkins, clarinetist Hank d'Amico, and trumpeter Dick Vance. Bailey reflects on her long professional life with a raft of melancholy standards -- "Lover, Come Back to Me," "These Foolish Things," and a tender "Can't We Be Friends?" John Bush  
Tracklist + Credits :