This album is a set of standards delivered by Ruth Price (who didn't make enough albums during her performing career), backed by Johnny Smith, one of jazz's eminent guitarists. Smith gained significant attention with his album Moonlight in Vermont, which Down Beat named as jazz album of the year, while Price performed in relative obscurity throughout her short career. Because this CD, originally issued by Teddy Reig's Roost Records, offers just a mite more than a half-hour's worth of music, each note should be savored. Price and Smith work wonderfully well together on tasteful arrangements played in an urbane, intelligent, and subdued manner. There are no pyrotechnics on this session. Their collaboration on "This Heart of Mine" rivals Sarah Vaughan's classic rendition. Gordon Jenkins' "Goodbye," with Smith's dramatic guitar and John Rae's softly stroked vibes playing in support of Price, is a highlight of the album. On "When You Wish Upon a Star," made popular by Ukelele Ike Edwards in Pinocchio, Smith abandons his chordal playing for a single string approach behind Price. While comprised mostly of slow ballads, the serious atmosphere is relieved from time to time with an upbeat number, such as "Time after Time" and a bouncy "Back in Your Own Back Yard," done with swinging merriment. Not blessed with an overwhelming voice or great range, Price concentrates on her interpretive skills as she works her cool vocals with very good results. Price didn't record a lot during her career, but what is available is well worth having. by Dave Nathan
Tracklist :
1. I'm Nobody's Baby 1:55
Written-By – Davis, Santly, Ager
2. It Never Entered My Mind 3:50
Written-By – Rodgers-Hart
3. Wonderful Guy 2:10
Written-By – Rodgers-Hammerstein
4. Until The Real Thing Comes Along 3:55
Written-By – Freeman, Cahn, Chaplin
5. This Heart Of Mine 2:38
Written-By – Freed, Warren
6. When You Wish Upon A Star 3:34
Written-By – Harline, Washington
7. Time After Time 2:35
Written-By – Cahn-Styne
8. Goodbye 3:23
Written-By – G. Jenkins
9. Back In Your Own Back Yard 2:03
Written-By – Jolson, Rose, Dreyer
10. I'll Be Seeing You 3:20
Written-By – Cahal, Fain
11. Run, Little Rain Drop, Run 2:26
Written-By – Warren, Gordon
12. Sleeping Bee 3:20
Written By – Capot, Arlen
Credits :
Bass – Clyde Lombardi
Drum – John Lee
Guitar – Johnny Smith
Vibraphone – John Rae
Vocals – Ruth Price
Charlie Byrd was teamed up with Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis (along with bassist Joe Byrd and drummer John Rae) for this rather exciting concert. While Ellis and Kessel have three unaccompanied duets, the inclusion of Byrd (thought of as a Brazilian specialist rather than a bopper) is the wild card that makes this set a major success. While Byrd is excellent on his features "Charlie's Blues" and "O Barquinho," it is the three stomps featuring all the guitarists ("Undecided," "Topsy" and "Benny's Bugle") that are most memorable. Scott Yanow
