This is the first (of three) long out of print recordings by Teri
Thornton, finally available to the general public. It would not be a
stretch to say she is perhaps the most talented, distinctive, clean,
out-of-sight singer listeners have never heard....until now. Thornton's
powerful, almost chilling voice compares favorably to the pristine tones
and vibrato of Sarah Vaughan, the blues sassiness of Dinah Washington,
and some of the more soulful refrains of Abbey Lincoln. Simply put, you
have to hear her once to believe her. Whether on doleful ballads or
raucous swingers, Thornton is totally confident and in control -- of her
emotions and yours. From the best version of the Bob Dorough-written
title track you are likely to hear, to the regretful ballad "My Old
Flame" or the ultimate heart-melter "Left Alone," to an interesting
arrangement on a pleading "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?," Thornton
charges through the bar lines. Check her forcefulness on "Dancing in the
Dark" and "I Feel a Song Coming On." Sometimes she purposefully
staggers behind measures to grand effect. Every track is a showstopper,
thanks to her uniquely soulful, drama-laden approach. Potent,
unobtrusive horn charts feature legends like trumpeter Clark Terry,
trombonist Britt Woodman, and saxophonists Earle Warren and Seldon
Powell. The rhythm section of guitarist Freddie Green (half the tracks,
Sam Herman on the others), pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and
drummer Jimmy Cobb can do no wrong. Arranger par excellence Norman
Simmons provided the perfect charts. This is an important document of a
truly great jazz singer, and is essential in the collection of every
serious aficionado. The only one regret is that it can't be given
several handfuls of.
Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1 Lullaby of the Leaves 2:48
Bernice Petkere / Joe Young
2 Devil May Care 2:47
Bob Dorough
3 Detour Ahead 3:10
Lou Carter / Herb Ellis / John Freigo / Johnny Frigo
4 The Song Is You 2:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
5 My Old Flame 3:29
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
6 What's Your Story, Morning Glory? 3:47
Jack Lawrence / Paul Francis Webster / Mary Lou Williams
7 Dancing in the Dark 2:31
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz
8 Left Alone 3:27
Billie Holiday / Mal Waldron
9 Blue Champagne 3:11
Jim Eaton / Frank Ryerson / Grady Watts
10 I Feel a Song Coming On 2:42
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh / George Oppenheimer
11 What's New? 4:11
Johnny Burke / Bob Haggart
12 Blue Skies 2:33
Irving Berlin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Earl Warren
Arranged By, Conductor – Norman Simmons
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Jimmy Cobb
Guitar – Freddie Green, Sam Herman
Piano – Wynton Kelly
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Seldon Powell
Trombone – Britt Woodman
Trumpet – Clark TerryVocals – Teri Thornton
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