Maxine Sullivan: The Great Songs From The Cotton Club

Maxine Sullivan was one of the best and best-known big-band/jazz vocalists in the 1930's. She retired when the style faded, but came back with a vengeance the year she turned 70. From 1981 until 1985, she recorded a slew of albums. This studio album from 1984 is one of the best. Hers is a husky, laid-back voice that goes perfectly with the arrangements for small jazz ensemble led by Keith Ingham. Excellent intonation and enunciation. Some of the Arlen-Koehler songs are very famous ("Stormy Weather," "I've Got the World on a String," "Ill Wind"), most are middlin' famous, and two of them are first recordings ever. Quoting Edward Jablonski's liner notes: "Several ballads represent real rediscoveries: 'You Gave Me Ev'rything but Love,' 'In the Silence of the Night' and the Latin-influenced 'Neath the Pale Cuban Moon.'" Highly recommended.

Track List 

A1        Happy As The Day Is Long    
A2        You Gave Me Ev'ry Thing But Love    
A3        As Long As I Live   
A4        Raisin' The Rent   
A5        'Neath The Pale Cuban Moon    
A6        Ill Wind    
A7        Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea   
B1        I Love A Parade    
B2        Harlem Holiday    
B3        Get Yourself A New Broom    
B4        Stormy Weather    
B5        In The Silence Of The Night    
B6        That's What I Hate About Love   
B7        Primitive Prima Donna    
B8        I've Got The World On A String