Blossom Dearie was part of the New York bebop scene, which often gathered at Gil Evans’ apartment; she was part of the social circles where “Birth of the Cool” began to take shape, and at the same time was a fixture in the jazz clubs of the 1940s. The legendary jazz producer and founder of Verve, Norman Granz, heard Blossom sing in Paris and offered her a contract. She subsequently returned to New York and recorded her first album for Verve, which Norman Granz produced himself in 1956. “Blossom Dearie” showcases the artist as a chanteuse and pianist. She is accompanied by Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), and Jo Jones (drums).
In its review of the album, Cashbox commented: “Miss Dearie is a new name in the music business. The singer’s delicate, intimate performance is captivating and beautifully phrased. The material is that commendable combination of tried-and-true standards (‘Thou Swell’), lesser-known pieces (‘I Hear Music’), and new material (‘Now At Last’).” In a positive retrospective review marking the CD release, AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow praises Dearie’s voice, writing that her “sincerity and sense of swing win you over after just a few songs” and that her “piano playing is first-rate.”
To mark the 70th anniversary of Verve Records, Universal Music Japan is releasing a new series presenting the legendary catalog of the renowned label in impressively mastered, high-resolution sound quality. The limited edition Japan SHM-SACD (Single Layer) comes in a mini LP cardboard sleeve with OBI stripe, making “Blossom Dearie” an absolutely collectible disc!
This title is an SHM SACD. This format is the further development of the single-layer SACD and uses a particularly light-transparent plastic (Super High Material). It allows a much better readability of the pit-land structures on the surface than is possible with hybrid SACDs. Universal’s SHM SACDs are generally re-digitized to DSD from the albums’ master tapes without any changes. SHM SACDs can be played on any SACD player. Please do not use L’Art du Son or alcohol-based cleaning agents. – Please note: All titles are designed by Universal Music as limited edition collector’s items for the Japanese market.
Lista pieselor
1. Deed I Do
2. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)
3. Everything I’ve Got
4. Comment Allez-Vous
5. More Than You Know
6. Thou Swell
7. It Might as Well Be Spring
8. Tout Doucement
9. You For Me
10. Now At Last
11. I Hear Music
12. Wait Till You See Her
13. I Won’t Dance
14. A Fine Spring Morning

