Description
Blossom Dearie – Blossom Dearie – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
180g Black Vinyl
Lacquers cut by Kevin Gray, Cohearent Audio
Exclusive Listening Notes by Natalie Weiner
2022 repress with new OBI strip
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Blossom Dearie’s Blossom Dearie (1956) is the debut studio album from the American jazz singer and pianist, Blossom Dearie. This album is considered a jazz vocal classic, introducing the world to Dearie’s unique, delicate vocal style and her talent as a pianist. Released on Verve Records, the album showcases her minimalist approach to jazz—a blend of witty, clever lyricism with a subtle, light swing.
Blossom Dearie’s vocal style is characterized by a light, girlish voice, often described as “cool” and intimate. She avoids big, dramatic flourishes in favor of a subtle and understated delivery, making her voice stand out in the jazz world of the time.
As a pianist, Dearie’s playing is equally restrained, with a strong sense of swing but always in a subtle, melodic manner. Her piano work complements her voice perfectly, enhancing the lightness and intimacy of her songs. The arrangements are generally sparse, allowing her voice and piano to shine. The backing band provides just enough rhythmic and harmonic support without overwhelming the delicacy of her performance.
Key Tracks
“’Deed I Do”: The album opens with this upbeat standard. Dearie’s playful delivery brings a sense of lightness to the song, while her piano playing keeps the rhythm lively and swinging.
“Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)”: A classic jazz ballad, Dearie’s version is one of the more intimate interpretations of this song. Her fragile voice adds a unique emotional quality to the lyrics of longing and loss.
“Everything I’ve Got”: A standout track, this Rodgers and Hart tune captures Dearie’s signature mix of playfulness and wit. Her piano playing is lively, and her delivery of the humorous lyrics is both charming and precise.
“I Hear Music”: This is one of the more uptempo tracks on the album, showcasing Dearie’s ability to swing without needing to push for volume or intensity. Her voice floats effortlessly over the rhythm section, creating a light, joyful sound.
“Manhattan”: One of the highlights of the album, Dearie’s rendition of this classic tune by Rodgers and Hart is both nostalgic and sophisticated. Her understated piano playing and delicate vocals make it a perfect example of her cool jazz style.
The lyrics throughout Blossom Dearie come from the Great American Songbook, covering themes of love, longing, romance, and occasionally humor. Dearie’s style brings out the wit in the lyrics, especially on tracks like “Everything I’ve Got” and “Manhattan,” where her light touch enhances the clever wordplay and subtle humor. Despite the mostly lighthearted tone, songs like “Lover Man” reveal Dearie’s ability to communicate deeper emotions, presenting vulnerability and longing in a subtle, nuanced way.
The album was produced by Norman Granz, the founder of Verve Records and one of the most influential figures in jazz. Granz allowed Dearie’s natural talents to shine through without heavy production or over-orchestration, preserving the intimacy of her performances. The arrangements are spare, usually just bass, drums, and piano, with occasional guitar. This minimalist backing allows Dearie’s piano and voice to be the focal points of each track. The simple arrangements also give the album a timeless quality—it’s clean, direct, and free of any production gimmicks that would date it.
Upon its release, Blossom Dearie was well-received by both critics and jazz fans, who were charmed by her unique vocal style and playful interpretations of jazz standards. The album helped establish Dearie as a leading figure in vocal jazz, particularly within the cool jazz movement, where subtlety and restraint were valued over dramatic vocal fireworks.
Blossom Dearie has become a cult classic, cherished by jazz aficionados for its unique blend of wit, charm, and sophistication. Dearie’s distinctive voice and piano style have made her a favorite among jazz vocalists, and this debut album is often considered one of the finest examples of her talent. Artists such as Norah Jones and Diana Krall have cited Dearie as an influence, particularly for her ability to convey deep emotions with a light touch.
The album features a solid backing band that complements Dearie’s playing without overshadowing it. Jo Jones (known for his work with Count Basie) plays drums, Ray Brown is on bass, and Herb Ellis on guitar. This ensemble provides just the right amount of support, keeping the focus on Dearie’s vocals and piano.
Blossom Dearie is a beautifully subtle and charming debut that showcases the unique talents of Blossom Dearie. Her light, airy voice and playful piano style set her apart in the jazz world, and the album’s understated arrangements allow her to shine. For those who appreciate the cool, laid-back side of jazz, Blossom Dearie is a timeless classic that highlights the wit, grace, and emotional depth of one of jazz’s most distinctive voices.
Track Listing
Deed I Do
Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be)
Everything I’ve Got
Comment Allez Vous
More Than You Know
Thou Swell
It Might As Well Be Spring
Tout Doucement
You For Me
Now At Last
I Hear Music
Wait Till You See Her
I Won’t Dance
A Fine Spring Morning
