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
standard setters of the time. ~ Jonathan Widran