jazzandbluesnews

I am not the world’s foremost expert on jazz vocalists, I will give you that much.  If you have spent any time reading my blog you know that I tend to dig the horn players and the instrumental stuff.  I don’t know why that is.  I just know that it was the music only stuff that first drew me into jazz and made me appreciate the music.  Even songs that you probably know best with lyrics and sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra I prefer as music-only versions.

Still, there is no denying that there are those who truly love the jazz vocalists.  Even I have to admit that Billie Holiday could sing like nobody’s business and break your heart with the way she could carry a tune.  So, it is with some regret that I announce that jazz vocalist Blossom Dearie died over the weekend in New York City at the age of 82.

I am not going to sit here and pretend that I know everything there is to know about Dearie.  I have heard a few tunes and, of course, you can find her music online and, in particular, on YouTube. 

Dearie was born in New York state and was a classically trained pianist before falling in love with jazz and big band music.  This changed the course of her life and she began singing.  She sang with greats like Woody Herman and Alvino Rey.  She had a unique and playful style and some of her albums, particularly those from the 60s, have become cult hits and classics in jazz fan’s collections.

From YouTube, here is Blossom Dearie, from her 1964 album “May I Come In?”  The tune is “Quiet Nights.”  Another rest in peace goes out to Blossom Dearie.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS