Bea's Best & More!
Allen Bardin | Columbia, SC United States | 02/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ted Ono's 2nd volume of Bea Wain's complete recorded output is even more magnificent than Volume 1. It escapes me why this compelling vocalist is not mentioned in the same breath with the other great jazz voices from the WW2 era -- delicious & sophisticated phrasing, fantastic sense of swing & not to mention, a knockout to look at! If some of the tunes are not the best, they are elevated by Wain's delivery:
PEEK-A-BOO TO YOU is a real hoot with Bea simmering the silly lyrics until the song is red-hot. Alec Wilder's torchy TROUBLE IS A MAN is a standout, as is the totally surprising double-entendre laden MY HANDY MAN (think Waters, Humes & Hunter), given a saucy, sly wink by Miss Bea. Do not pass this one up -- it's totally infectious. Thank God & Mr. Ono that there's more coming, and Ms. Wain -- you are too divine!"