[.ca] Tribute to Billie Holiday

Clooney upstages Lady Holiday...:
I know it is supposed to be a tribute, but I dare say Miss Rosemary has possibly upstaged Lady Holiday with her talent, once again. With that husky, honey-coated voice of hers she does not only justice to the singer, but exceeds either the recording technology or the talent that wasn't available when Holiday had her day in the sun. Aside from the worn out standard "God Bless the Child," Rosemary belts out a few of the probably lesser known Holiday claims to fame, like "I Cover the Waterfront" and "Lover Man" that could be a re-discovered hit for this day and age. Nonetheless, Rosemary's invitation calls out to the audience of this recording to join her. You'll find yourself singing along in no time, even if your greatest singing talent is only found in the shower. Rosemary just has a way of doing that to a soul. See for yourself, dear listener!

"Here's to My Lady - Rosie style":
The late Carl E. Jefferson definitely knew what he was doing when he signed Rosemary Clooney - she puts her signature on this "Tribute to Billie Holiday"...sings them with such intimacy and strength that you can see Billie sitting at a near-by table nodding her head with approval and saying - "Yes, you go girl". Each tune reveals something about both artists, is it style, talent, inner life with a touch of humanity...I would just say, they both have known life and the heart-ache it can bring. The entire album is full of superb standards from Lady Day's file - with rhythmic back-up by Nat Pierce (piano), Cal Collins (guitar), Warren Vache' (cornet), Monty Budwig (bass), Jake Hanna (drums) and the great Scott Hamilton (sax) adding icing to the perfection of our "girl singers" definitive performances. Some highlights - "GOOD MORNING, HEARTACHE" has all the warmth through tender lyrical interpretation..."MEAN TO ME" change of pace, swinging through happier times..."LOVER MAN (OH WHERE CAN YOU BE?)" and whisper sweet little things in my ears, Rosie sings it, you believe it..."DON'T EXPLAIN" she's glad you're back and so are we, with our "girl singer" pouring her heart out..."COMES LOVE" the whole gang is jamming away, as Rosie keeps the tune alive and well, pure swing prevails. Concord Jazz presents one of the best tribute albums to come along for some time - Rosie captures the moment and mood of this great jazz artist...and Rosie said it best - "Billie Holiday, her talent and courage are the benchmarks for every singer to aspire to. I'm proud to say she is my daughter Maria's Godmother"...and Rosemary Clooney, it takes one to know one! Total Time: 41:42 on 10 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4081...(1979)

"Here's to My Lady - Rosie style":
The late Carl E. Jefferson definitely knew what he was doing when he signed Rosemary Clooney - she puts her signature on this "Tribute to Billie Holiday"...sings them with such intimacy and strength that you can see Billie sitting at a near-by table nodding her head with approval and saying - "Yes, you go girl". Each tune reveals something about both artists, is it style, talent, inner life with a touch of humanity...I would just say, they both have known life and the heart-ache it can bring. The entire album is full of superb standards from Lady Day's file - with rhythmic back-up by Nat Pierce (piano), Cal Collins (guitar), Warren Vache' (cornet), Monty Budwig (bass), Jake Hanna (drums) and the great Scott Hamilton (sax) adding icing to the perfection of our "girl singers" definitive performances. Some highlights - "GOOD MORNING, HEARTACHE" has all the warmth through tender lyrical interpretation..."MEAN TO ME" change of pace, swinging through happier times..."LOVER MAN (OH WHERE CAN YOU BE?)" and whisper sweet little things in my ears, Rosie sings it, you believe it..."DON'T EXPLAIN" she's glad you're back and so are we, with our "girl singer" pouring her heart out..."COMES LOVE" the whole gang is jamming away, as Rosie keeps the tune alive and well, pure swing prevails. Concord Jazz presents one of the best tribute albums to come along for some time - Rosie captures the moment and mood of this great jazz artist...and Rosie said it best - "Billie Holiday, her talent and courage are the benchmarks for every singer to aspire to. I'm proud to say she is my daughter Maria's Godmother"...and Rosemary Clooney, it takes one to know one! Total Time: 41:42 on 10 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4081...(1979)

• I Cover the Waterfront
• Good Morning Heartache
• Mean to Me
• Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)
• Don't Explain
• Comes Love
• He's Funny That Way
• God Bless the Child
• Them There Eyes
• Everything Happens to Me