Although best known as a member of the vocalese supergroup Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, the great jazz singer Annie Ross’s solo albums are gems unto themselves and “A Gasser!” from 1959 is the finest of them all. Miss Ross is in peak vocal form here and is joined by the great Zoot Sims on saxophone and much of the same band featured on the Lambert, Hendricks & Ross classic “The Swingers”.
Don’t expect any of the vocal acrobatics of the Lambert, Hendricks & Ross recordings however. This is straight-ahead jazz singing by one of the great singers in her prime. From the wry wit of “Everything I’ve Got” through the sheer perfection and beauty of “You’re Nearer”, this set is a must-have for jazz vocal fans. Highly recommended. Joseph Shelt.
Review: Top Audiophile Albums Hi-Fi News Yearbook 2015 , Ken Kessler
Ms Ross, exactly 80 years old on the day that I’m writing this, is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets: jazz aficionados who know their onions appreciate that she is one of the best interpreters of standards in the business, so this set from World Pacific back in 1959 – featuring Zoot Sims on sax – ranks with any ‘Great American Songbook’ you can imagine. The stance here differs from her more famous work as part of Lambert, Hicks & Ross, the crack sextet (with a touch of big-band class provided by Mel Lewis on drums) accenting her vocals with uncanny precision. It may be a half-century old, but it can teach a few tricks to today’s crop of wannabees. Mesmerising.
Personnel: tracks * :Annie Ross, vocals/ Zoot Sims, tenor saxophone/ Russ Freeman, piano/ Jim Hall, guitar/ Monte Budwig, bass/ Mel Lewis, drums
Tracklisting:
Side A. 1. Everything I’ve Got 2. Invitation to the Blues 3.I Didn’t Know About You 4.I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore 5.Lucky Day**
Side B.
1. I was Doin’ Allright 2.You Took Advantage Of Me 3. You’re Nearer 4.Lucky So and So 5.Nobody’s Baby
Tracks**: Billy Bean replaces Jim Hall
On “Nobody’s Baby”, Mel Lewis is replaced by Frank Capp. “You’re Nearer” & “Lucky So & So”
have the original personnel except Bill Perkins replaces Zoot Sims.