OUTSTANDING ETHEL ENNIS COLLECTION!
A. POLLOCK | PLYMOUTH, DEVON United Kingdom | 03/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The advent of rock `n roll during the mid-50's did much to eclipse the deserved fame and popularity of a dearth of female vocalists who would otherwise have been high profile entertainers. Although Ethel Ennis is revered by fellow musicians; once recognised by Sinatra as "my kind of singer" and lauded by Ella Fitzgerald as "the best singer of her generation" she never achieved Chart hits nor topped the lists of outstanding jazz vocalists with the record-buying public. Nevertheless, Ethel was chosen by Benny Goodman as singer with his all-star band and received exposure on US television's ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW as well as appearing at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival. However, somehow labelled as a reluctant star, she eventually chose to return to her native Baltimore after recording for various record labels.
In the circumstances, this classy UK reissued 1963 RCA album is a welcome pleasure that showcases Ethel's warm and diverse vocal style, with a mixture of Broadway show songs like SHE LOVES ME, NOBODY TOLD ME, JOEY, JOEY, JOEY, and WHO WILL BUY? plus standards AS YOU DESIRE ME and THE MOON WAS YELLOW; all brassily orchestrated and framed by conductor/arranger, Sid Bass. Each number is a joy to listen to and applaud, with the ten bonus tracks being released singles from the same period, with MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER (from FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) and the then current bossa- nova favourite THE BOY FROM IPANEMA, ahead of the more pop-orientated numbers intended for US Chart appeal.
With Ethel's albums currently difficult to obtain on CD, this wonderful compilation must be viewed as a treasured gift and I recommend it as a "must have" to those who collect albums by superior girl singers and those who generally appreciate vocal jazz finesse.
"
Good Stuff!
Gary L Connely | Hercules, CA | 04/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not being from Baltimore, I'd never heard of Ethel Ennis, (as a matter of fact, not withstanding the fact that I own 3,000+ CD's, I'd never heard of the label - Poker Records - either). But fools and jazz fanatics rush in where angels fear to tread, so I gave "This is Ethel Ennis" a listen. I'm glad I did.
Frank Sinatra once called Ms Ennis, "My kind of singer." One listen to this CD and you'll know why. It's straight ahead, early 60's pop. Ms Ennis doesn't take any chances, and she pretty much sticks to the charts, but there's just enough swing in her delivery to hold your attention - and her voice is GLORIOUS! Smooth, warm, with just a hint of smoke - the Chairman was right - the lady can SING.
Poker has done a good job with the sonics. Not audiophile quality, (I noticed a little "edge" in the brass), but clear and clean.
"This is Ethel Ennis" is good stuff!
"
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1