Fabulous Pop Album From the Fifties Will Surprise You
05/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jaye P Morgan will likely be remembered most as the outrageous panelist from "The Gong Show" and other low brow Chuck Barris productions.But, in the 1950s and 1960s, she had a quite a successful career as an accomplished pop/cabaret singer. She performed in all the major supper clubs across the country. Her charm and vocal talent also made her a welcome guest on all the top musical variety shows of the time.This Japanese re-issue of an album recorded in 1958 for RCA Victor, her first major label affiliation, is all the proof that
you'll need.From the moment the brass section of Marion Evans orchestra explodes from the speakers, followed by Jaye P.'s rousing rendition of "Just You, Just Me" I was hooked. She is equally exhilarating on "You Are My Lucky Star" and simply delightful on the gentler "Why Shouldn't I." Jaye P. employs a husky vocal on "Love Your Magic Spell is Everywhere" to extend an irresistable invitation. When she changes mood for the ballads "I See Your Face Before Me" and "Where Are You" (my favorite track) her romantic delivery seduces me every time. "Day By Day" and "All I Do Is Dream Of You" which were rightfully positioned to close side 1 and side 2 of the original vinyl LP, start off mid-tempo before Jaye P brings them to a smashing finish.Special recognition, too, must go to the wonderful arrangements of conductor Marion Evans, and to the brilliant musicians who played in the orchestra. I only wish that I could have been there for the sessions.This Japanese re-issue is in true stereo, beautifully remastered from RCA's Living Stereo edition, even though the "Living Stereo" banner does not appear on the CD jacket. The album had been previously available only in mono as a CD import from Spain at a lesser price. Unquestionably, the stereo version is far superior and well worth the extra dollars.One of my favorite pop albums by a female vocalist from that era."
