Midway into this set, vocalist Annie Ross revisits “Jumpin’ at the Woodside (Basie/Hendricks) and her high-energy delivery is an instant encapsulation of the halcyon days when she spark-plugged the now-legendary trio known as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross. Eve
n before the trio’s success, Ross’ clarion pipes, stratospheric vocalizing, and musical know-how had made fans of the likes of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and Dizzy Gillespie. This never-previously-released 1965 set was recorded live in her own short-lived London club, Annie’s Room, after Ross split from the trio in 1962. At times a smiling, come hither succulence in Ross’ voice is reminiscent of Anita O’Day, which is especially apt on Cole Porter’s “Love for Sale. But Ross is a copy of no one, as is evidenced by her playful, bluesy take on another Basie tune, “Goin’ to Chicago , a gem that Jimmy Rushing co-wrote and pretty much owned. Her straight-ahead delivery, see-sawing with high, high vocalese, combines into a particular instrument which can only be called “Ross”. The recording quality here is less than optimal, but it’s just a night in a smoke-filled room when the sound’s offóbut who cares when the music’s so cool.
Personnel: Annie Ross: vocals; Pete King: tenor saxophone; Brian Lemon: piano; Kenny Baldock: bass; Benny Goodman: drums.
FF: This album does not sound professionally recorded; I raised up the high end just a bit, and brought the volume to a consistent level.
1965 – Annie Ross-Live In London ’65
01 – Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home
02 – The Lady’s In Love With You
03 – L’il Darlin’
04 – The Right To Love
05 – Solomon
06 – Medley_ I’m In The Mood For Love
07 – Jumpin’ At The Woodside
08 – Doodlin’
09 – Don’t Wait Too Long
10 – Love For Sale
11 – Going To Chicago
12 – Soon It’s Gonna Rain
13 – Saturday Night Fish Fry
Luis, thank you!
