Anita ODay has long been admired as one of the very best jazz singers, with a rhythmic and dynamic style that she could readily deploy in big band, small group and sophisticated orchestral environments. Acrobat has already showcased her work during the early 1940s with the orchestras of Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton (Anita ODay - The Early Years 1941-45 ADDCD3098), and in this collection we focus on a similar period of years during the 1950s when she firmly carved for herself a significant place in the jazz pantheon. During the decade from 1952-62, she recorded for the labels established by jazz impresario Norman Granz Clef, Norgran and, most famously, Verve and her recordings during that time are recognised as the most significant of her career.

This CD set comprises the complete content of her albums during the first five years of that era - albums Anita O'Day Collates, Songs By Anita O'Day, An Evening With Anita O'Day, Anita and Pick Yourself Up, (some titles appear on more than one LP) plus tracks from singles. On those albums she is accompanied variously by the orchestras of Ralph Burns, Roy Kral, Larry Russell and Buddy Bregman, with musicians on the sessions including Barney Kessel, Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz, Shelly Manne, Budd Johnson, Andy Secrest, Jimmy Giuffre, Paul Smith and many more. Its a snapshot of a key era in her career, and a fine showcase for her unique talent working across a range of musical environments.

REVIEWS

“Altogether, a very musical reissue. Excellent songs, high standards, and always in the spotlight one of the finest jazz singers of all time captured in her prime. Accompanying the CDs is a long and detailed liner by Paul Watts. For those with O’Day albums already on their shelves, the songs heard here were originally released on the five LPs: Anita O’Day Collates, Songs By Anita O’Day, An Evening With Anita O’Day, Anita and Pick Yourself Up, to which have been added a couple of singles.” – Bruce Crowther (Jazz Journal Spring 2020)

“One of the greatest jazz vocalists of the post-war era, this exceptional 46-track, 2CD set, brings together five albums which the singer recorded for the jazz impersario and record producer, Norman Granz. It contains some remarkable things, not least the trio of ballads: I Can't Get Started, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and Time After Time as wll as a fine example of her highly developed rhythmixc approach in the Fats Waller/Andy Razaf classic, Honeysuckle Rose. Clocking in at just under two-and-a-half hours, this set is unreservedly recommended”  –  Peter Quinn (Jazzwise Issue 248)

“Anita O'Day has long been admired as one of the very best jazz singers, with a rhythmic and dynamic style that she could readily deploy in big band, small group and sophisticated orchestral environments. Acrobat has already showcased her work during the early 1940s with the orchestras of Gene Krupa an Stan Kenton (The Early Years 1941-45 ADDCD3098), and in this collection they focus on a similar period of years during the 1950s when she firmly carved for herself a significant place in the jazz pantheon. This excellent value, 46-track, double CD set, comprises the complete content for her albums during the first five years of that era... A fine showcase for her unique talent working across a range of musical environments. If your jazz tastes are more eclectic than most, then this CD is highly recommended.”  –  Pete Lay (Just Jazz Issue 262)

“A very handy introduction to her association with Norman Granz, with full discographical details and a comprehensive essay by Paul Watts.”  –  Gerry Stonestreet (In Tune Issue 335)