Search - Mildred Bailey :: Volume 1: Sweet Beginnings

Chronological early recordings of this sensational vocalist

Hap | Santa Fe, NM | 10/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This terrific set of music chronologically covers her earliest recordings from Oct 1929 to Mar 1932 in one beautifully restored CD. The only recording missing is, oddly, found on Vol 2 of this series and that is the medley from the George White Scandals from Nov 1931. I discovered her recordings a scant four years ago and she is now, along with Lee Wiley, my favorite white jazz singer from this era. Although her voice is not at all extraordinary, her emotions, delivery and respect for the material she sings places her into a very rare strata of singer who is easily as potent with pop tunes as she is with jazz material. She easily commanded full attention whether singing in front of a full orchestra or with a small jazz group. Her version of "Lies" which is found on this recording is an exceptional example of her deceptively simple and clean approach to a song. The T.O.M. label has done it yet again with their restoration and thoroughness. I cannot say enough about their many reissues and their approach to audio restoration, simply spectacular. These recordings have never sounded better."