[.ca] Singin' & Swingin'

How good is Betty Roche? Very:
This is a wonderful recording. The arrangements are clever and the backing band is solid, but Betty Roche is the focal point -- and for good reason. Her vocals are just marvelous on these familiar tunes. She has complete command of her voice and plays with it at will without distracting the listener from the melody. She's really good. It's a pity that she isn't widely known because I think she has crossover appeal and didn't make a bad record in her career. Ella + Sarah + Billie - Drugs - Success = Betty Roche.

Ellington's former vocalist with heated organ jazz combo...:
Betty Roche was Duke Ellington's former vocalist(Take The "A" Train being her biggest hit) and she was also among his best(Ivie Anderson being his bery best, female anyway). Here Roche is with a heated jazz combo featuring an organ and sax. Roche uplifts familiar standards like "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and her unique and highly appealing jazz phrasing is a delight. Highly recomended.

A jazz singers, jazz singer...:
Betty Roche was little known by the general public, however she was a favorite of Ella Fitzerald, Billie Holiday, Mel Torme, and Sarah Vaughan. Thim former Ellington band singer, is featured on this early 60's OJC reissue with a heated jazz/organ combo. Roche as always takes lot's of chances, and this set is exciting and a masterpiece for jazz singing.

A jazz singers, jazz singer...:
Betty Roche was little known by the general public, however she was a favorite of Ella Fitzerald, Billie Holiday, Mel Torme, and Sarah Vaughan. Thim former Ellington band singer, is featured on this early 60's OJC reissue with a heated jazz/organ combo. Roche as always takes lot's of chances, and this set is exciting and a masterpiece for jazz singing.

• Come Rain or Come Shine
• Foggy Day
• Day by Day
• When I Fall in Love
• Blue Moon
• Where or When
• September Song
• (It Will Have to Do) Until the Real Thing Comes Along
• Billie's Bounce