Hearing Blossom Dearie sing is a surreal experience. She is a vocalist who has a uniqueness,
charm, and range unlike any other. A natural cabaret singer best suited to comedic songs and other”light”repertoire, Blossom can just as quickly turn around and draw you into the most aching, beautiful love song possible. She is the girl you fall in love with because her lyrics leave you with the impression that she too is in love, and you can not help but smile. A singer, pianist and songwriter, with a ‘wispy, little-girlish’ voice, Dearie is regarded as one of the great supper club singers (Line)
Her father was of Scottish and Irish descent; her mother emigrated from Oslo, Norway. Countless rumors surround the origin of Blossom?s name, but the story that has outlived all others has been that she gained the name ?Blossom? when her brothers arrived home to greet their new baby sister with a basket full of peach blossoms. The name Dearie, according to Blossom, is a fairly common Scottish name ? a topic on which she has done an extensive amount of research. (29 Richardson)
She began taking piano lessons when she was five, and studied classical music until she was in her teens, when she played in her high school dance band and began to listen to jazz. Some of Blossom?s early influences included Art Tatum, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Martha Tilton, who sang with the Benny Goodman Band. Dearie graduated from high school in the mid-40s and moved to New York City from her hometown of East Durham, nestled in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York, to pursue a music career. She joined the Blue Flames, a vocal group within the Woody Herman Big Band, and then sang with the Blue Reys, a similar formation in the Alvino Rey Band.
In 1952, while working at the Chantilly Club in Greenwich Village, Dearie met Nicole Barclay who, with her husband, owned Barclay Records. At her [Nicole?s] suggestion, she went to Paris and formed a vocal group, the Blue Stars. The group consisted of four male singers/instrumentalists, and four female singers; there, Blossom sang with Annie Ross, gaining critical acclaim for their performances in the Mars Club, the Club de Paris along the Paris nightclub circuit.
While in Paris, Dearie met impresario and record producer Norman Granz, who signed her to Verve Records. She eventually made six solo albums, including the highly regarded My Gentleman Friend with this label. Unable to take the Blue Stars to the USA because of passport problems (they later evolved into the Swingle Singers), she returned to New York in 1956 and resumed her solo career, singing to her own piano accompaniment at New York nightclubs such as the Versailles, the Blue Angel and the Village Vanguard. She also appeared on US television shows hosted by Jack Paar, Merv Griffin and Johnny Carson.
In 1966 she made the first of what were to become annual appearances at Ronnie Scott ’s Club in London, receiving excellent reviews as ?a singer’s singer, whose most important asset was her power to bring a personal interpretation to a song, while showing the utmost respect for a composer’s intentions?. (qtd. 33) In the 60s she also made albums for Capitol Records, including May I Come In?, a set of standards arranged and conducted by Jack Marshall.
In the early 70s, disillusioned by the major record companies’ lack of interest in her kind of music, she started her own company, Daffodil Records in 1974. Her first album for the label, Blossom Dearie Sings, was followed by a two-record set entitled My New Celebrity Is You, which contained eight of her own compositions. The album’s title song was especially written for her by Johnny Mercer, and is said to be the last piece he wrote before his death in 1976. During the 70s, Dearie performed at Carnegie Hall with former Count Basie blues singer Joe Williams and jazz vocalist Anita O’Day in a show called The Jazz Singers. In 1981 Blossom appeared with Dave Frishberg for three weeks at Michael’s Pub in Manhattan. Frishberg, besides being a songwriter, also sang and played the piano, and Dearie frequently performed his songs, such as ?Peel Me A Grape?, ?I’m Hip? and ?My Attorney Bernie?. Her own compositions include ?I Like You, You’re Nice?, ?I’m Shadowing You? and ?Hey John?. From 1983, she performed regularly for six months a year at the Ballroom, a nightclub in Manhattan, and in 1985 was the first recipient of the Mabel Mercer Foundation Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding supper-club performer.
In her live performances, Blossom creates an intimate and particular atmosphere, particular in that she requests that her audience does not drink or smoke during her performances. But whether or not one attends a live show of Blossom?s, her albums some how are able to evoke a sense that the listener is experiencing a sound all his or her own ? as if she is sharing something very new and unabashedly personal with the listener. The compilation CD, Jazz Masters 51, contains songs from all six albums put out on the Verve label. The album begins with a be-bop tune, ?Deed I do?, a song that pays homage to an unending love and the reasons that we stick around for that special someone. Blossom?s voice is short lived in this particular track as she gracefully bows to the sounds of the guitar and bass to convey her gratitude and love for the man she has found.
The next track, ?Loverman? offers a sharp contrast in that the mood shifts from the sublime to melancholy. In ?Loverman?, the listener gains the sense that love is a thing that is longed for but never quite attained. It is more of rumors; for the unlucky, love never seems to pan out the way everyone describes it.
?Everything I?ve Got? celebrates the features that couples bring to relationships that are seemingly anti-parallel to one another. We nevertheless accept those faults as gifts since by the very fact that a person is offering these things ? at the same time, willing to accept our gifts as well ? denotes them as things worth celebrating. In one particular track, ?More than you know?, Blossom steers away from the vocals and delights us with her superb piano skills. Here, Blossom is at her most intimate in that she conveys those things that cannot be verbalized, using only her keys to communicate the subtle nuances if her message which is left entirely to the listener to decipher.
Further into the album we are introduced to Blossom?s ability to transcend the language barrier when she interprets three songs in French. Here the listener does not necessarily need to be fluent it the French language to understand, and know fully well her theme ? love. Her ability to inflect certain notes at just the appropriate chords and the way that certain lyrics are sung are enough for anyone, in any language, to glean a clear grasp of her message.
The final three tracks, previously unreleased prior to the distribution of this album, maintain the same appeal as do all of Blossom?s tracks. ?They say its spring? is a reflective piece. Blossom compares the love of her youth to that of an adult and ultimately, the listener is left with the impression that neither matter so long as we are privileged enough to have loved. ?Blossom?s Blues?, my personal favorite, is a flirty, self-revealing track of Blossom as a person and not as an icon. She playfully flaunts herself as the envy of any and every man; Blossom discusses ? she does not complain ? the burden of being the person she is. These things leave her with absolutely no regrets for she revels in the fact that her features offer all the things that ?a good man needs.?
While Blossom has not attained the fame of an Ella or a Sarah, Blossom has enjoyed a fair and lucrative share of popularity amongst a mostly esoteric following here in New York City. Audiences can still enjoy Blossoms clever lyrics sung by her sweet, girl-next-door voice in popular jazz clubs such as the Blue Note in the West Village.
Другие работы по теме:
Romeo An Juliet Essay Research Paper hi
Romeo An Juliet Essay, Research Paper hi i need an essay about a character in romeo and juliet that demonsrtated maturity. in a well developed multi pagraph essay and say why you think the character’s maturity was greater than the other characters in the play.
Love Your Job Essay Research Paper Learn
Love Your Job Essay, Research Paper Learn to Love Your Job It’s time to make peace with what you do. By Kathy Simmons Readers from the South are, no doubt, familiar with kudzu?-a prolific vine that wraps itself around other vegetation, strangling the life out of it. Does this sound like what your job is doing to you? Rather than helping you to blossom, is your job running you over like a lawnmower? Stop the madness! You spend too much time at work to be miserable.
Cleopatra At Cydnus Essay Research Paper Cleopatras
Cleopatra At Cydnus Essay, Research Paper Cleopatra?s presence at the river of Cydnus left an outstanding effect on the common people of Egypt. All men and boys could not help but be attracted to her. Cleopatra?s beauty and wealth are told to be of great prosperity. When Cleopatra was near, everything was said to seem more beautiful than before, yet the setting was still incomparable to that beauty of her own.
My Vacation Experience Essay Research Paper Plane
My Vacation: Experience Essay, Research Paper Plane tickets in hand, my possible girlfriend and I embark on our first vacation to Cozumel, Mexico during the summer of 2000. I had known her for about 7 months and during that time i had grown very fond of her. Our relationship began to blossom and that in the near future we would begin to grow even closer.
Additional Poems By E E Cummings Essay
, Research Paper the Cambridge ladies who live in furnished souls the Cambridge ladies who live in furnished souls are unbeautiful and have comfortable minds
Edgar Degas Essay Research Paper Degas Edgar
Edgar Degas Essay, Research Paper Degas Edgar was a French painter. His compositions, skillful drawings, and perceptive analysis of movement made him one of the greatest artists of modern art in the late 19th century.
American Dream Essay Research Paper Listening to
American Dream Essay, Research Paper Listening to the panel discussion on the American Dream helped me to realize several things about past, current, and future generations. I found it interesting that a majority of the great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents worked in either a factory or a mill, or on a farm.
Oh Really Essay Research Paper Oh Reallyyou
Oh Really? Essay, Research Paper Oh Really, you think i am a lark, the dogs they run and bark, but when i say to them, shut up shut up shut up, you say to be nice to them,
The Scarlet Letter Analyzation Essay Research Paper
The Scarlet Letter has been considered a milestone in literature for years. A reason for this is its message to “be true, be true.” This novel shows the moral through the actions of the two main characters, Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale. Many people have learned this important “moral blossom” and have held it with them, remembering it in their times of indecision.
Four Family Memgers Essay Research Paper Four
Four Family Memgers Essay, Research Paper Four Family Members I chose my mom because she has truly been one of the most influential persons on my life. I owe almost everything to her for why I am the person that I am today. She taught me manners, how to treat people and most importantly taught us boys about God. Those Sunday mornings I know it was hard for her to go to church without a husband, but she did it for us boys.
Impressionist Painting Essay Research Paper ImpressionistAs I
Impressionist Painting Essay, Research Paper Impressionist As I was going down to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art I wasn?t too thrilled of going. I tend to think art museums are boring. What?s the big deal about seeing in artist that died before I even born? Then to have to stand to in line waiting, at this point I was really trying to understand why I was here, the only thing I could think of was that I forced to come here and I need a good grade in History.
Shane Essay Research Paper Sometimes I need
Shane Essay, Research Paper Sometimes, I need you more than I need air And sometimes I miss you more than I will forever, never forget the times that we have shaared. The are priceless
Poem Belong Essay Research Paper Where I
Poem: Belong Essay, Research Paper Where I belong I am weak, I am strong I will fit where I belong don’t know where it is for now but it will come, if I allow tomorrow, I start a brand new day
Nathan Hale Essay Research Paper Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale Essay, Research Paper Nathan Hale When a country is in time of need, certain individuals rise among their people and take control, thereby becoming martyrs and heroes. During the American Revolution the colonies were in great need of leaders, and Nathan Hale stepped up and succeeded. Hale served as lieutenant and captain in the colonies’ Continental army.
Haiku Master Essay Research Paper Matsuo Basho
Haiku Master Essay, Research Paper Matsuo Basho radically redefined the three-line, 17-syllable haiku poetic form from an entertaining pastime in 16th-century Japan to a major literary genre in the 17th century. An early Basho haiku provides an example of his meticulous and sensitive approach in selecting and arranging words and images to produce highly evocative allusions:
Beowulf An Epic Essay Research Paper Beowulf
Beowulf: An Epic Essay, Research Paper Beowulf: An Epic Numerous characteristics of this poem validate claims that it is an epic. Obviously indicative of this poem s epic nature are its boasts and battles. Beowulf s boasts begin as soon as he arrives on the Danish shore when he justifies his presence there by giving evidence of his worthiness to fight Grendel.
Good Earth Essay Research Paper Taoists often
Good Earth Essay, Research Paper Taoists often use anecdotes to describe and present lessons of life. For example, The Missing Axe teaches that people see only what they want to see. Another important Taoist story, The Lost Horse, proves the falseness of first impressions. Similarly, Pearl Buck expresses this idea of false impressions in The Good Earth.
Poem She Sat Essay Research Paper She
Poem: She Sat Essay, Research Paper She sat… helpless in her room praying to whatever god there may be to let her call to him. could god ignore such a painful cry?
What Is Wisdom Essay Research Paper What
What Is Wisdom Essay, Research Paper What Is Wisdom? Is it knowledge, science or just common sense? I think it is a mixture of all these things and more. If you
Daffodils Essay Research Paper Outside of my
Daffodils Essay, Research Paper Outside of my grandmother?s house, there are these daffodils, fluttering and dancing with the breeze. Every spring break morning, sparkling waves of daffodils accompanies me with bliss and admiration. The milky way of daffodils changes throughout the year; however, it always blossoms at this time of the year.
Ode To Boys Essay Research Paper We
Ode To Boys Essay, Research Paper We like them But do they like us The ones we do never fuss They don’t stop in And we wonder why We stress, we bitch We sometimes cry
George Gershwin
’S “The Ultimate Collection” Essay, Research Paper George Gershwin’s “The ultimate collection” George Gershwin’s “The ultimate collection”, is a compilation of Gershwin’s greatest hits. The compilation is made out of two CD’s; the first cd is Gershwins pieces sung by different jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby and more… The second cd, is Gerswhin’s famous pieces taken from musical shows such as Porgy and Bess, Rhapsody in Blue, Cuban overture, Funny face and more.
Lady Day The Many Faces Of Billie
Holiday Essay, Research Paper Lady Day: The Many Faces Of Billie Holiday The movie Lady Day: The Many Faces Of Billie Holiday paints an interesting, and thought provoking portrait of one of jazz and blues most charismatic, and influential artists. The incomparable talent of Billie Holiday, both truth and legend are immortalized in this one-hour documentary film.
Defoe Moll Flanders Essay Research Paper J
Defoe Moll Flanders Essay, Research Paper J Johnson English Novel to 1832 7/10/00 ?Moll Flanders: Freedom or Fate? In New Hampshire I had a Philosophy teacher that used to say, and I believe he was quoting another, ?People who believe in freewill are ignorant of the reasons of their actions?. This quote, in the context of Defoe?s Moll Flanders, brings about a multitude of questions and discussion.
My Bedroom Essay Research Paper My favourite
My Bedroom Essay, Research Paper My favourite place in the entire world is my bedroom. My bedroom and I are one. My bedroom personifies me. It is the only place that allows me to be me. My bedroom is mine. I have complete control over it and everything in it. The only regulations in my bedroom are those I decide on.
Additional Poems By Arna Bontemps Essay Research
Paper God Give to Men God give the yellow man an easy breeze at blossom time. Grant his eager, slanting eyes to cover every land and dream of afterwhile. Give blue-eyed men their swivel chairs
Infinity Essay Research Paper Throughout all of
Infinity Essay, Research Paper Throughout all of the stellar cosmos, there is only one absolute (debatable): Infinity. Humans are leaves on a giant tree called ?Life?. Where humans bud in the spring, blossom during the summer, then fade away and die during the autumn, the tree will last an eternity as a memento of the past, a reminder of the present, and a positive sign for the future.
Pythagoras Essay Research Paper My name is
Pythagoras Essay, Research Paper My name is Pythagoras of Samos. I believe I should win the fabulous two-week cruise on the incomparable Argo because I dedicated my life to educating and caring for the future generations. I risked my life to share my knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn.
Canoecopia Exibition Essay Research Paper Once a
Canoecopia Exibition Essay, Research Paper Once a year, as winter begins to fade and the spring flowers begin to blossom, there is a gathering of a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts. The one aspect that unites this band of individuals is their shared love for the sport of paddling. This gathering takes place in the 100,000 square foot exhibition hall of the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin near the beginning of March.