Search - Etta Jones :: Etta Jones Sings Lady Day

Lady Day, Make Way...For Etta!

Christopher M. Martyn | Washington, D.C. United States | 11/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sadly, Etta Jones passed away just before this was released. It brings to mind the pathos always associated with Billie Holliday. Be that as it may, this album is better than any of the other Etta Jones album released in recent years. Her sense of swing and style has never left her, and her vocals are clear and strong. Her voice has shown the effects of her 70+ years, but especially in a tribute to Billie, this is not only fitting, but almost eerie. Only on one track is there a direct imitation of Lady Day (Fine and Mellow), and it seems as if Etta is channeling her. "All of Me", "God Bless the Child", and "Them There Eyes", are the highlights of this great album. And as always, the musicianship of everyone on the record is first rate."

Strong stuff.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 12/16/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's a fine line between disrespectful and respectful impersonation. Listeners not thoroughly familiar with the musical careers of both Lady Day and Etta Jones may be misled into thinking this recording is the former, especially since Billie's frail voice at the end clearly is no match for Etta's here. But this album is far from parody--it's an homage bordering on the uncanny --as a previous reviewer put it, a "channelling" of Lady Day's presence through Etta.Get some vintage Billie and Etta before even considering this one which, though sincere, is far from a perfect example or showcasing of Etta Jones' remarkable talent. Start with "Don't Go to Strangers" to make the acquaintance of a singer who, unfortunately, remained far too much of a stranger to the American public's ears."