About half is very good; about half is so-so.
04/23/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The first 8 songs were recorded by Sylvia with the Barbara Carroll Trio in 1952. The last 4 were recorded with a jazz septet led by Johnny Richards in 1954. The two sessions came out on a single LP on Atlantic in 1957. Strange to say the 1952 sessions come across the best. The sound quality is really very good; and there is an excellent balance between singer and backup. There are some very good songs from the 1952 Carroll Trio sessions. To me the material from '54 doesn't reach the same level. I'm glad I got this CD, even though it isn't totally satisfying. Now.........when is the 1972 recording Sylvia did for Atlantic, entitled "Lovingly" going to come out? Or when is the one she recorded for Stanyon called "Love Lady" appearing? To me those albums were two of the best Sylvia ever recorded. And I'd love to have the one she did for A&M come out, too. Maybe it's a case of the best being saved for last."