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 Released August 06, 2002
Lena Horne became an international celebrity as a teenager -- making her first record at 18 with Noble Sissle and his orchestra -- and in many ways her star never faded. Because her success as a singer and actress paved the way for so many African-American divas in later decades, it's easy to overlook the simple vocal magic that got the legend rolling. This is one of the new Bluebird series' best compilations, a compendium of early-'40s classics that define the era. Sometimes her approach was ironic. Even if the mood of "Stormy Weather" is dark, the innocence of her voice conveys a rich optimism and whimsy. On these selections, which include "What Is This Thing Called Love?" and a hypnotic take on the Rodgers & Hart gem "Where or When?," her tone is light and flowing, with a gentle, sexy lisp in certain spots. The last three tracks, from January 1944, are so rare and obscure that the location of the recording and the backing orchestra are unknown. A must for the Horne fan or for folks who think Judy Garland and Billie Holiday were the only vocal standard setters of the time. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
TRACKS 1. Stormy Weather
2. What Is This Thing Called Love?
3. Ill Wind
4. The Man I Love
5. Where or When
6. I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues
7. Mad About the Boy
8. Moanin' Low
9. As Long as I Live
10. I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues
11. I Didn't Know About You
12. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)
13. Suddenly It's Spring
14. Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
15. I'll Be Around
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© 2006 All Music Guide, LLC