During 1953-1955, singer
Chris Connor
recorded regularly for
Bethlehem
. This reissue LP has her final recordings for the label (before moving up to
Atlantic
) with such fine sidemen as
Herbie Mann
(doubling on flute and tenor), pianist
Ralph Sharon
, guitarist
Joe Puma
, bassist
Milt Hinton
, and drummer
Osie Johnson
. The two-trombone team of
J.J. Johnson
and
Kai Winding
(which had recently become very popular) is prominent on four of the ten selections.
Connor
's cool tone, subtle, emotional delivery and haunting voice were perfect for the music of the 1950s. Highlights of this superior set include
"The Thrill Is Gone,"
"Blame It on My Youth,"
"I Concentrate on You,"
but all ten numbers are rewarding. ~ Scott Yanow